Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has joined Elite League ice hockey side Belfast Giants in an emergency loan move to act as goaltending cover.
Cech, who won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League during his glittering football career, switched sport in 2019 when he joined the Guildford Phoenix, playing in the fourth tier of English ice hockey.
The legendary shot-stopper, who also served as Chelsea’s technical and performance advisor throughout the final three years of Roman Abramovich’s spell as owner, has recently been representing the third-tier Oxford City Stars after joining the team in June.
The 41-year-old will now make the step up to the Elite League, albeit temporarily, after joining the Giants, the league’s defending champions.
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The Stena Line Belfast Giants can confirm that legendary Premier League goalkeeper and current @OxfordCityStars netminder @PetrCech has joined the club on loan as temporary emergency cover. ????
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— Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) November 15, 2023
“Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level,” said Belfast Giants coach Adam Keefe.
“We’re very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself. His support during this loan period will be invaluable.”
Cech appeared for the Giants in a charity game against Dnipro Kherson earlier this year, helping to raise over £65,000 to support ice hockey in Ukraine.
The former Czech Republic international is eligible to feature for the Giants in their weekend games against the Sheffield Steelers and Manchester Storm, who they visit on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
