Roman Cechmanek, a goaltender who played three seasons for the Flyers and won the Bobby Clarke Trophy in 2002-03, has died. He was 52 years old.
The cause of his death has not been released or reported.
“The Philadelphia Flyers are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former goaltender Roman Cechmanek,” president of hockey operations Keith Jones said in a team statement. “A late-round pick, Cechmanek spent three seasons with the team from 2000-2003, where he enjoyed great success and made an instant impact on our club on the ice and in the locker room.
“Beyond his numbers, which were exceptional, he was loved by fans and teammates for his personality, his distinctive style and his pride in stopping the puck. He led the Flyers to three straight playoff appearances, two 100-point seasons and an Atlantic Division title. while also being part of a remarkable tandem with Robert Esche to win the NHL’s William M. Jennings Trophy awarded to the goaltenders with the fewest goals scored during the regular season in 2002-03.
“His passing too young breaks our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Cechmanek was from Czechoslovakia and played in his home country until the Flyers selected him in 2000. He was 29 when the Flyers selected him in the sixth round at 171st overall.
In his first season, Cechmanek was named an NHL All-Star and finished second in the Vezina Trophy (best goaltender). He was 35-15-6 with a 2.01 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and 10 shutouts.
Among Flyers goaltenders with over 100 games, Cechmanek has the best goals-against average and save percentage in team history. In 163 career games with the Flyers, Cechmanek finished 92-43-22 with a 1.96 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and 20 shutouts, the second-highest total in franchise history. franchise.
In 2002-03, his final year with the club, he won the team’s MVP award.
Cechmanek played in 2003-04 for the Kings before returning overseas. He also played professionally in Germany and Sweden.
Cechmanek had three children: two sons Roman and Jakub and a daughter Katerina.