Published 15/11/2023 at 12:56 GMT
Petr Cech is set for a brief stay in Northern Ireland after signing a short-term injury contract with Elite League ice hockey team Belfast Giants. The 41-year-old won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League across a 20-year trophy-laden career but turned to ice hockey after his retirement. He is contracted to National Ice Hockey League side Oxford City Stars.
‘I crossed the limit’ – Pochettino apologises to referee and Guardiola
Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper and UEFA Champions League winner Petr Cech has joined Elite League ice hockey team Belfast Giants on a short-term injury cover contract.
The 41-year-old won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League across a 20-year trophy-laden career.
After hanging up his football boots in 2019, Czech turned to hockey and until recently has been playing in England’s third division, the National Ice Hockey League, for Oxford City Stars.
He is now set to step up a league – albeit on a temporary basis – after a move to Belfast Giants, the defending league champions, and will be eligible to feature in their games against the Sheffield Steelers and Manchester Storm on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
“Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level,” said Belfast Giants coach Adam Keefe.
“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.”
Earlier this year, Cech appeared in a charity game for the Giants when he played against Dnipro Kherson, a match which raised over £65,000 to support the continuation of ice hockey in Ukraine.
The Giants have lost four of their last five Elite League matches.
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Eurosport.co.uk – https://www.eurosport.com/ice-hockey/former-chelsea-and-arsenal-goalkeeper-petr-cech-joins-ice-hockey-team-belfast-giants-on-emergency-lo_sto9883985/story.shtml