Former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Roman Cechmanek has passed away at the age of 52. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
“The Philadelphia Flyers are deeply saddened by the news of Roman Cechmanek’s passing,” stated Keith Jones, the team’s president of hockey operations. Cechmanek, despite being a late-round draft pick, made a significant impact during his three seasons with the Flyers from 2000 to 2003, earning the Bobby Clarke Trophy in the 2002-03 season.
Known not only for his outstanding performance on the ice but also for his unique personality and goaltending style, Cechmanek led the Flyers to three consecutive playoff appearances, two 100-point seasons, and an Atlantic Division title. His partnership with Robert Esche also led to the pair winning the NHL’s William M. Jennings Trophy during the 2002-03 season for the fewest goals scored against them.
Originally from Czechoslovakia, Cechmanek was drafted by the Flyers in 2000 at the age of 29. In his first season, he was named an NHL All-Star and was the Vezina Trophy runner-up, finishing with impressive stats of 35-15-6, a 2.01 goals-against average, .921 save percentage, and 10 shutouts.
With the best goals-against average and save percentage among Flyers goalies with over 100 games, Cechmanek also holds the second most shutouts in franchise history, finishing with a 1.96 goals-against average, .923 save percentage, and 20 shutouts in 163 career games with the team.
After his time with the Flyers, Cechmanek played for the Los Angeles Kings in the 2003-04 season before returning to Europe to continue his professional career in Germany and Sweden.
Cechmanek is survived by his three children, Roman, Jakub, and Katerina.
