A hockey icon is stepping into the front office.
Patrik Elias was named general manager of the Czech men's national team, the federation announced on Wednesday.
Elias, 50, is the second-leading scorer all-time among Czech NHL players, having recorded 1,025 points in 1,240 games with the New Jersey Devils.
The longtime winger also won three bronze medals with the national team, including one at the 2006 Olympics and two at the world championships.
"Patrik is a recognized personality not only in our country. He has an overview of players in the NHL and, thanks to his work in the Czech Republic in recent years, also of players here at home. He has management skills and I believe that he will be a benefit to Czech hockey," Czech Hockey president Alois Hadamczik said in a statement translated from Czech.
Czechia won four of seven round-robin games at this year's worlds before falling to Finland in the quarterfinals. The country also lost in the quarterfinals at the Olympics, dropping an overtime decision against Canada.
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