Former NHL goalie Roman Cechmanek dead at 52 years old.

Former National Hockey League goaltender Roman Cechmanek has died.

On Saturday morning, reports of Cechmanek's passing began to break in the Czech media with now multiple outlets confirming the passing of the 52 year old former Philadelphia Flyer. Cechmanek at just 52 years of age was taken far too soon, a cause of death has not yet been determined.

The former 6th round pick (171st overall) of the Philadelphia Flyers burst onto the seen during the 2000-01 NHL season, appearing in 59 games for the Flyers and recording a very respectable .0921 save percentage and a 2.01 goals against average.

Cechmanek would prove to be a solid netminder for the Flyers for 3 consecutive seasons and would also play a season as a member of the Los Angeles Kings before returning home overseas to play in the Czech league.

Later in life Cechmanek struggled with finances and was even involved in a fraud case in which he risked jail time back in 2019, charges that he would eventually be acquitted of. Despite his acquittal however Cechmanek was still in debt for millions over failed investments he had made and loans he had taken out following his career in the NHL.

Over his NHL career he appeared in 212 NHL games, recording a 2.08 goals against average and a .919 save percentage.

My condolences go out to the Cechmanek family, especially Roman Cechmanek's 3 children, as well as to all of his friends and loved ones.