Former NHL goaltender Roman Cechmanek passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 52. The news of his death has left the hockey community and fans in shock. Cechmanek played in the NHL from 2000 to 2004, spending most of his career with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was known for his unorthodox style of play and his impressive save percentage.
The cause of Cechmanek’s death has not yet been released to the public. However, reports suggest that the Zlin native had been struggling with serious money problems in recent years, which resulted in court cases and a separation from his spouse, Dagmar. Despite his personal struggles, Cechmanek continued to coach young players in Czechia after retiring from professional hockey. He is survived by his one daughter and two sons.
Cechmanek’s legacy in the NHL and the hockey world as a whole will not be forgotten. His unorthodox style of play and impressive save percentage made him a fan favorite during his time in the league. As more details about his cause of death are revealed, the hockey community will undoubtedly come together to honor his memory and celebrate his contributions to the sport.
Career in NHL
Early Years
Roman Cechmanek was a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the NHL from 2000 to 2004. He began his professional career playing for HC Verva Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga.
In 1995, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 6th round of the NHL Entry Draft. However, he continued to play in the Czech Republic until the 2000-01 season when he finally made his NHL debut for the Flyers.
Peak Performance
Cechmanek quickly established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the league. In his rookie season, he set the record for the lowest goals-against average (GAA) in a season by a rookie goaltender with a 1.96 GAA. He was also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender.
Cechmanek continued his strong play over the next few seasons, earning another Vezina Trophy nomination in 2002. He finished his NHL career with a 2.08 GAA and a .923 save percentage.
Retirement
After the 2003-04 season, Cechmanek returned to the Czech Republic to finish his career. He played for HC Sparta Praha and HC Kometa Brno before retiring in 2008.
Cechmanek’s cause of death was not immediately released, but his passing was confirmed by the Philadelphia Flyers on November 12, 2023. He was 52 years old at the time of his death.
Roman Cechmanek’s Death
Former NHL goaltender Roman Cechmanek passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 52. The Philadelphia Flyers, one of the teams he played for during his NHL career, confirmed his death. The cause of his death has not been officially announced yet.
Cechmanek was a key player for the Flyers from 2000 to 2003, earning a reputation as a skilled goaltender with a unique style. He also played for the Los Angeles Kings during the 2003-2004 season before returning to Europe to continue his career.
Cechmanek was born in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia (now Zlín, Czech Republic) on March 2, 1971. He began his professional career in the Czech Extraliga before being drafted by the Flyers in the sixth round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Throughout his NHL career, Cechmanek was known for his unorthodox style and his ability to make acrobatic saves. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2001 and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2003. In addition to his NHL success, Cechmanek also represented the Czech Republic in international competition, winning a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics and three gold medals at the IIHF World Championships.
The news of Cechmanek’s death has been met with sadness and condolences from fans and former teammates alike. His legacy as a skilled goaltender and a beloved member of the hockey community will not be forgotten.
