(Prague) Czech forward Petr Klima, who won the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990, has died. He was 58 years old.
Czech clubs HC Litvinov and Kadan announced the news on Thursday. Klima started his career with HC Litvinov in 1981 and served as general manager of the Kadan club.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Klima emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1985, four years before the fall of the Iron Curtain.
He played 13 seasons in the NHL and had 313 goals and 260 assists in 786 regular season games. He added 28 goals and 24 assists in 95 playoff games.
Klima played for the Detroit Red Wings, Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
“We mourn the passing of Czech legend Petr Klima,” the NHL said in a statement. Klima helped the Oilers win the Stanley Cup with the Oilers in 1990, scoring a memorable goal in the third period of overtime in Game 1 of the Finals. We offer our condolences to his family, friends and many supporters. »
The Oilers haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1990.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Oilers Petr Klima and offer our condolences to his family and loved ones,” the Oilers wrote on Twitter.
They added that Klima’s goal on a shot from the right face-off circle in the third overtime of Game 1 of the 1990 Finals against the Boston Bruins was one of the most memorable moments in history. of the Oilers.
Exactly 32 years ago, on May 4, 1991, Klima scored three straight goals in 5:13 of play to help the Oilers beat the Minnesota North Stars 7-2.
Klima has played 28 games for his country, scoring 10 times. He represented Czechoslovakia in the 1984 Canada Cup.
Klima’s two sons, Kevin and Kelly, play in the Czech Hockey League.
