The former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has joined the third-tier ice hockey team Oxford City Stars as their goaltender for the 2023-24 season. The 41-year-old, who played junior hockey in the Czech Republic, has made the club his third in the sport since his retirement from football.
Cech played 20 times for Guildford Phoenix between 2019 and 2022, making the match-winning save in a shootout on his debut, and joined the Chelmsford Chieftains last year. He has also trained with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.
“I am really excited for a new chapter with Oxford City Stars,” Cech told the club’s website. “I’ve heard good things about the club and looking forward to playing again with some of my ex-teammates. It’s clear Oxford have big ambitions and I hope I can help them with those.”
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Cech made 494 appearances for Chelsea and won 13 major honours before having four seasons at Arsenal. He is the Czech Republic’s record caps holder with 124.
Shane Moore, Oxford’s head of hockey operations, said: “We were aware Petr was looking for a team last season but at the time we were already full with goalies and non-British-trained players. So this off-season when we knew he was available it was an opportunity I really wanted to explore. It’s not just our team that will benefit from Petr Cech’s arrival. I anticipate the positive impact this signing will have on our sport as a whole, the community and the city.”
