Petr Klima, a former member of the Edmonton Oilers, has perished at age 58. Just months after being traded to the Oilers from the Detroit Red Wings, Klima scored the game-winning goal in triple overtime during Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final.
The goal scored by Klima against the Boston Bruins marked the beginning of Edmonton’s five-game series victory.
The Oilers tweeted,
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Oilers alum Petr Klima and extend our condolences to his family and all loved ones.” “The forward scored one of the most iconic goals in team history in Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final against Boston, scoring the game-winning goal in triple overtime.”
“The NHL mourns the passing of Czech legend Petr Klima, who scored 313 goals across 13 NHL seasons,” the league said in a separate statement. “Klima contributed to the Oilers’ 1990 Stanley Cup victory by scoring a memorable triple-overtime triumph in Game 1 of the Finals. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and numerous admirers.”
The cause of death could not be determined promptly. In 1985, Klima was the first player to defect from the then-Czechoslovakia and enter the NHL.
After Petr Klima met with team officials and spent several days in hiding with them, the Red Wings aided him to reach the United States. Prior to one and a half years ago, the plan was formulated. Throughout his career, he donned the number 85 to commemorate the year he defected to the United States.
In 786 career games with the Red Wings, Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, Klima amassed 573 points (313 goals, 260 assists) and retired in 2003.
Also Read: Juan Williams Of Fox News Quits The Five! 43 Years Married Life
