Roman Čechmanek, a goaltender who played three seasons with the Flyers and won the Bobby Clarke Trophy in 2002 and 2003, has died. He was 52 years old.
His cause of death has not been announced or reported.
“The Philadelphia Flyers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former goaltender Roman Cechmanek,” president of hockey operations Keith Jones said in a team statement. “Selected late in the draft round, Čechmanek spent three seasons with the team from 2000 to 2003, where he enjoyed great success and immediately made an impact on the ice and in the locker room.
“Beyond his outstanding numbers, he was beloved by fans and teammates for his personality, unique style, and pride in stopping the puck. He led the Flyers to three consecutive playoff appearances, two 100-point seasons, season, and the Atlantic Division title.He also won the NHL’s William M. He also contributed to the combination.
“His passing at such a young age is heartbreaking for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Čechmanek is originally from Czechoslovakia and played in his home country until being drafted by the Flyers in 2000. He was 29 years old when the Flyers selected him in the sixth round, 171st overall.
Cechmanek was named an NHL All-Star in his first season and was runner-up for the Vezina Trophy (top goaltender). He had a 35-15-6 record with a 2.01 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage and 10 shutouts.
Among Flyers goaltenders with over 100 games played, Cechmanek has the highest goals-against average and save percentage in team history. In 163 career games with the Flyers, Cechmanek compiled a 92-43-22 record, ranking second in franchise history with a 1.96 goals-against average, .923 save percentage, and 20 shutouts.
In 2002-03, his final year with the club, he was named team MVP.
Čechmanek played for the Kings from 2003 to 2004 before returning overseas. He also played professionally in Germany and Sweden.
Cechmanek had three children. They have two sons, Roman and Jakub, and a daughter, Katerina.