Former NHL defensive man Thomas Krusek passed away after a skiing accident in the Czech Republic.
Crusek was 45 years old.
Kurcek's wife, Barbara Kurkkova, confirmed her husband's death on Instagram on Monday.
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New York Rangers defensive man Tomascle Cek (22) is taking action with St. Louis Blues right wing Scott Young (48) at Madison Square Garden. (Lou Capozzola-USA Today Network)
“After yesterday, after a terrible accident, my husband, my universe, my love, the father of our children, and your friend Thomas Kurchek abandoned us forever,” Krukkova wrote. “Everyone around him deserves to know. Please respect our privacy and sadness now.”
The NHL Alumni Association also issued a statement on the tragic death.
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“The defensive man, the New York Rangers selected Thomas on their 131st pick in the 1998 NHL entry draft after three seasons with Cekia U20's home town of HC Slavia Prague.
“We express our deep sadness to Thomas' friends, family and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
Nashville Predators player tammaskle sex. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
As mentioned earlier, the Rangers drafted Kurcek in 1998 and entered the league at the age of 20 in 43 games during the 2000-01 season. He scored one goal and gave four assists that season.
The Rangers had a moment of silence for Kurcek before taking on the Calgary flames at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
Kloucek played 95 games from 2000-02 with the Rangers before dealing with the Nashville Predators before the 2002-2003 campaign. However, he only played three games that season due to a knee injury.
Crusek began the 2003-04 season with predators, this time before being handed over again to the Atlanta Thrashers at the time.
Throughout five NHL seasons (141 games), Kloucek combined two goals and eight assists with 10 points. He later returned to his hometown of Czech Republic after the 2006-07 season, where he continued to play with Slavia Prague, HC Zlin, Bili Tygri Liberec and Ocelari Trinec.
Atlanta's Thomas Kurcek (5) is shown in his match against Washington on Saturday, March 20, 2004. (George Bridges/MCT/Tribune News Service by Getty Images)
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Kloucek completed his career with the French League Magnus during the 2016-17 campaign.
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