Petr Cech has joined Elite League ice hockey team Belfast Giants in a shock loan move from second-tier Oxford City Stars.
Belfast are widely recognised as the best side in the United Kingdom, having claimed the Grand Slam last season. They won the league title, playoffs and also lifted the Challenge Cup during a memorable campaign.
But after losing their last two matches, Belfast coach Adam Keefe has bolstered his ranks with ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Cech from Oxford. They play in the National Ice Hockey League, which is a tier below the Elite League. Cech has also played for Guildford Phoenix and Chelmsford Chieftains after taking up the sport in 2019.
"Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level," Keefe said. "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."
It comes a matter of months after Cech appeared as a guest for the Giants against Ukrainian side Dnipro Kherson in a match that raised over £65,000 to support the continuation of ice hockey in the war-torn country.
The former Czech Republic international endured a hugely successful football career after joining Chelsea from Rennes in 2004. He instantly became an important member of the Blues side as they won the Premier League title in his first two years at the club, missing just seven top-flight matches in the process.
In October 2006, Cech suffered a serious head injury after colliding with Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt during a match. He was stretchered off and later underwent surgery for a depressed skull fracture. Doctors reported that it almost cost Cech his life, and he suffered severe headaches as a result.
Cech, however, returned in January 2007 wearing a protective headguard, and after losing his first game against Liverpool, he went over 800 minutes without conceding a goal. Cech lifted the FA Cup at the end of that season as Chelsea beat Manchester United at Wembley in the final.
He continued to impress in the Chelsea net and won the Premier League Golden Glove for a second time in 2009/10, capping off a memorable campaign for the Blues. Cech won the league and cup for the second time and he later achieved that feat one more time in the 2014/15 season.
That proved to be Cech's final year at the club as he departed after 494 appearances to join London rivals Arsenal. He was the Gunners' No.1 under Arsene Wenger for three years, before losing his place following the appointment of Unai Emery. Cech would eventually hang up his boots after the Europa League final in May 2019.
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