New York Rangers defenseman has tragically passed away following an accident, his wife confirmed.
He was former fifth-round pick of the Rangers. No further details were provided regarding his unexpected passing.
“Yesterday, after a devastating accident, my husband, my universe, my love, the father of our children, and your friend Tomas Kloucek left us forever,” said his wife, Barbara Klouckova. “Everyone who knew him deserves to know. Please respect our privacy as we navigate this immense grief.”
Rangers legend Mark Messier expressed his sorrow in a message to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, saying, “He was a great kid. Great attitude. Gentle soul. Horrible news.”
The Rangers honored Kloucek with a moment of silence before their game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
Born in Prague, the 6-foot-3, left-handed defenseman was selected by the Rangers in the 1998 NHL Draft at 19 years old.
He made his NHL debut during the 2000-01 season, recording five points (one goal) while averaging about 16 minutes of ice time over 43 games. However, his rookie season was cut short by a torn ACL and MCL.
Kloucek returned the following season and appeared in 52 games, but after failing to secure a roster spot at the start of the 2002-03 season, the Rangers traded him to the Nashville Predators for goaltender Mike Dunham.
He spent his final three NHL seasons with the Predators and Atlanta Thrashers before finishing his career in Europe.
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