Petr Klíma (1964–2023), Stanley Cup champ with Edmonton Oilers 

Petr Klí_ma was a hockey player who won the 1990 Stanley Cup as a forward for the Edmonton Oilers.

• Died:e280afMay 4, 2023 (Who else died on May 4?)c2
• Details of death:e280afDied at his home in Chomutov, Czech Republic at the age of 58.
• We invite you to share condolencese280affor Petr Klí_ma in oure280afGuest Book.c2

Petr Klí_mae28099s legacy

Born in Communist Czechoslovakia, Klí_ma was still living there when the Detroit Red Wings drafted him in 1983. With the help of the Red Wings, he was able to defect to the U.S. in 1985, smuggled out of the country in a covert operation that included a late-night escape through the woods. The first Czech player to defect to a U.S. NHL team, Klí_ma made his NHL debut that same year. He played for the Red Wings through 1989 before being traded to the Oilers. Klí_ma helped his new team to their 1990 Stanley Cup victory when he scored the game-winning goal in the third overtime of game one, which remains the longest game in the history of the Stanley Cup finals.

A 1993 trade placed Klí_ma with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he remained for three seasons. He bounced between several teams in his final NHL season before being released in 1997. Klí_ma later played at home in the Czech Republic before his retirement in 2003. He always wore jersey number 85 to commemorate the year of his defection.

Notable quote

e2809cI came here to play hockey, not to get money. Money wasne28099t the reason I came. Hockey is something that I like doing. Ite28099s fun.e2809d e28094from a 1985 interview for the Los Angeles Times

Tributes to Petr Klí_ma

Full obituary: The Detroit Newsc2

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