Former Rangers Defenseman Tomáš Klouček Dies in Skiing Accident at 45
The hockey world is mourning the loss of Tomáš Klouček, a former defenseman for the New York Rangers, who tragically passed away following a skiing accident in his home country of Czechia. The New York Rangers confirmed the news on social media, expressing their condolences to his family and loved ones.
Klouček’s Career in the NHL and Beyond
Klouček was selected 131st overall in the 1998 NHL Draft by the Rangers. He began his North American career with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the QMJHL before moving up to the AHL, where he played a full season with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He made his NHL debut in November 2000, scoring his first goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in just his 15th game.
Over the next two seasons, Klouček split time between New York and Hartford before being traded to the Nashville Predators as part of the Mike Dunham deal in 2003. He played eight games for Nashville across two seasons before finishing his NHL career with the Atlanta Thrashers, appearing in 37 games before the 2004–05 lockout and one more afterward.
After two seasons in the AHL, Klouček returned home to play in Czechia, with additional stints in the KHL, Slovakia, Austria, and France. In 2014, he helped HC Košice win the Slovak Extraliga championship before retiring from professional hockey in 2017.
A Tough, Respected Player
Known for his physical, hard-nosed style of play, Klouček was part of a wave of Czech players who came through the Rangers in the early 2000s. He built a solid career across multiple leagues and was respected for his dedication to the game.
His passing is a heartbreaking loss for the hockey community. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time.
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