Former NHL Defenseman Tomáš Klouček Dies in Skiing Accident at 45

Špindlerův Mlýn, Czechia — Tomáš Klouček, a former NHL defenseman who played 141 games with the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, and Atlanta Thrashers, died Sunday following a skiing accident. He was 45 years old.

The tragic incident occurred on March 16, when Klouček lost control while skiing at high speed and collided with a power pole at the edge of a ski slope. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His wife, Barbara Klouckova, confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post on Monday. “Yesterday, after a grievous accident, my husband, my universe, my love, dad of our children and your friend Tomáš Klouček abandoned us forever,” she wrote. “Please respect our privacy and grief we are grappling with right now.”

Born on March 7, 1980, in Prague, Klouček was selected by the New York Rangers in the fifth round (131st overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft after an impressive tenure with HC Slavia Praha Junior. He made his NHL debut during the 2000-01 season, appearing in 43 games and recording one goal and four assists.

Klouček’s presence on the ice was noted for his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame and his ability to move the puck effectively. Brian Leetch, a revered figure in Rangers history, praised Klouček’s skillset, saying, “I can’t remember another defenseman that has come up with his size, that plays with the same edge, and that can move the puck like he does.”

His rookie season ended due to a knee injury but he returned the following year and played another 52 games, contributing one goal and three assists. Klouček later journeyed through the NHL, spending time with the Predators and Thrashers after being traded from the Rangers.

After concluding his NHL career, he returned to Europe where he played in the Czech Extraliga, Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and France’s Ligue Magnus before retiring in 2017. His professional stats include two NHL goals and eight assists, and he recorded significant contributions in the AHL.

The skiing accident occurred in Špindlerův Mlýn, a renowned ski resort in Czechia’s Krkonoše Mountains, known for its challenging slopes and as a host for FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events.

Following his passing, tributes poured in from the hockey community. Steve Guolla, a former teammate, expressed sorrow over the loss: “Horrible news.” Oceláři Třinec, one of Klouček’s former clubs in the Czech Extraliga, stated on social media, “We were hit by sad news – Tomáš Klouček died following a tragic accident. We wish his family and loved ones a lot of strength. Our sincere condolences.”