Roman Cechmanek, former Flyers and Kings goaltender, dies at 52

Former NHL goaltender Roman Cechmanek has died at the age of 52, the Philadelphia Flyers announced Sunday.
Cechmanek played 212 games over four seasons in the NHL with the Flyers and the Los Angeles Kings from 2000 to 2004. The Flyers drafted him in the sixth round (No. 171) in 2000 at age 29, and he played three seasons in Philadelphia (2000-03) before being traded to the Kings (2003-04).He was highly successful and made an instant impact to our club on the ice and in the locker room,” Flyers president Keith Jones said in a statement. “Beyond his numbers, which were outstanding, he was beloved by fans and teammates for his personality, distinct style and pride in stopping the puck.”
Cechmanek went 110-64-28 and finished with 25 shutouts, a 2.08 goals against average and a .919 save percentage over his NHL career. In his first season, he finished as the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy and fourth in Hart Trophy voting. He and teammate Robert Esche won the Jennings Trophy in 2002-03 alongside New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, as the Flyers and Devils each allowed the fewest goals in the NHL (166) that season.Cechmanek represented the Czech Republic at the 1998 and 2002 Olympics, winning a gold medal in ’98. He also made seven appearances at the World Championships.