Former Chelsea standout Petr Cech makes hockey debut in England

It’s rare for an athlete to become a two-sport star well into their 30s but betting against one of the best goalkeepers of all-time doesn’t appear wise.

Former Chelsea standout Petr Cech will be suiting up in goal again, this time on the ice, with the Guildford Phoenix of the National Ice Hockey League’s Division 2.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to play with the Phoenix to get the match experience,” Cech said in a statement released by the club. “I hope I can help this young team to achieve their goals for the season and try to win as many games as possible when I have the chance to play. After 20 years of professional football this is going to be a wonderful experience for me to play the game I loved to watch and play as a kid.”

Cech helped Chelsea rise to prominence in the early-to-late 2000s, winning four Premier League and one Champions League title with the London-based club. He won 124 international caps for Czech Republic and solidified himself as one of the best ever at his position, finally retiring from the sport after the 2018-19 season, having spent the last four years of his soccer career with Arsenal.

It’s an unlikely transition, especially at this stage of his life, but Cech’s agility and ability to read the play could serve him well in ice hockey. Perhaps he can gain some advice from fellow countryman Dominik Hasek along the way.

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