A number of Czech NHLers came together to celebrate the career of Martin Havlat on Wednesday, with legends like Jaromir Jagr and Zdeno Chara joining Havlat in a charity game against Extraliga team Kometa Brno.
But it was another one of Havlat’s countrymen that might have raised the most eyebrows, as Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech came out to support the former NHL star as well.
In fact, Cech did more than show up – he traded in his shin pads for full goaltender gear and played in the farewell game.
The 35-year-old wasn’t half bad at turning pucks aside in the crease, looking like a natural as he took shots during the team’s warm-up.
Other prominent members of the Czech athletic community who participated included NHLers Patrik Elias, Michael Frolik, Petr Mrazek, Radko Gudas, and Marian Hossa, who joined in for photos with the team.
Havlat suited up for 790 games in the NHL, splitting time between the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils, and St. Louis Blues. The veteran’s finest stretch came in Ottawa, where he tallied 105 goals and 235 points.
He retired from the league in February, finishing his career with 594 total points to his name.
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