Tomas Kurcek, who spent five years with the Rangers in the NHL, passed away on Sunday after a skiing accident in his hometown of Czech Republic.
He was 45 years old.
Klouchek's wife, Barbara Klouckova, confirmed the news on her Instagram story, writing, “In less than five minutes, my life was upside down and everything was different.”
“Everyone around him deserves to know. Please respect our privacy and sadness now.”
Born in Prague, Klucek was drafted by the Rangers as the 19-year-old in the fifth round of the 1998 NHL Draft after three years of strong at HC Slavia Praha Jr.
After coming to North America and spending a year each with the QMJHL and AHL, he made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 2000-01 season, playing 43 games, scoring five points (one goal, four assists), surpassing 16 minutes of ice time per game.
Krocek's promising rookie season ended when he tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee in Atlanta.
“It's a shame for us,” Leach said. I said it in 2001. “I can't remember another defender who came up with his size, playing on the same edge, and being able to move the puck like he does.”
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defensive man was suitable for 52 more games the following season, adding goals and three more assists.
“He was a great child. Great attitude. A gentle soul,” Mark Messier told Post's Larry Brooks about the defensive man's posthumous text. “Fearful news.”
In December 2002, after spending the first part of the year with AHL Hartford, the Rangers sent Kurcek to the predators as part of a package to acquire goaltender Mike Dunham.
He played three more seasons, spending time with both predators and thrashers.
Klouček ended his NHL career with 141 games, two goals and eight assists.
He later spent time playing for the KHL, France and the Czech Republic.
“I also appreciate the massive pour in support. I am very grateful,” Krukkova said. “It's so hard and indescribable, but it's amazing how many people you see. [Klouček] I was around him who loved him. ”
