Edmonton Oilers hero Petr Klima dies

BET À DAY

The centerpiece of the Edmonton Oilers' 1990 Stanley Cup win, former Czech forward Petr Klima has died aged just 58.

The organization made the announcement on his social networks on Thursday, recalling the exploits of the one who wore their uniform from 1990 to 1993 and in 1997.

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The left winger, who spent 786 games in the National Hockey League, scored one of the most important goals in franchise history during the 1989-90 playoffs. On May 15, Klima ended Game 1 against the Boston Bruins by scoring in third overtime. This meeting is now part of the record books, being the longest of a final.

With 573 points, Klima ranks 21st among players from the Czech Republic. Drafted in the fifth round (86th overall) by Detroit in 1983, he defended the colors of the Red Wings, Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of #Oilers alum Petr Klima & extend our condolences to his family & all loved ones.

The forward scored one of the most iconic goals in team history, tallying the triple-OT winner in Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final vs. Boston. pic.twitter.com/EIJCUnRoPU

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 4, 2023

He was the first player from Czechoslovakia to leave his country to join an American market. His defection had also been meticulously planned by the Wings, who managed to have Klima evacuated during a meal from a Czechoslovak national team training camp in Germany, according to the daily “New York Times”. p>

Twin sons of Petr Klima, Kelly and Kevin, played together for the Moncton Wildcats and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.