Chelsea legend Cech joins ice hockey team Belfast Giants on emergency loan

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.

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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.

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