BREAKING - Former Flyers Legend in Goal Tragically Passes Away At 52 Years Young

Former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Roman Čechmánek has passed away at the age of 52. Drafted at 29 in the sixth round of the 2000 NHL Draft, Čechmánek transitioned to the NHL after seven years in Czechia's professional hockey.

In his debut season with the Flyers, Čechmánek played 59 games, recording an impressive 35-15-6 record and a .921 save percentage. Despite not meeting rookie criteria due to his age, his performance would have ranked him second in save percentage among modern-era Flyers goalies.

Cechmanek is near the top of the leaderboard in most franchise goalie stats despite being a 29 year old draft pick and playing only three seasons in Philadelphia:

.923 SV % (1st), 1.96 GAA (1st), 92 wins (T-5th), 20 SO (2nd), 2002-03 William M. Jennings Trophy (w/ Robert Esche)

His second season maintained consistency, with another .921 save percentage in 46 games and a 24-13-6 record. However, his third season became a career highlight, boasting a .925 save percentage and a 33-15-10 record. This stellar performance earned him the William M. Jennings award for allowing the fewest goals against, though he ranked seventh in Vezina voting.

After one more season in the NHL, Čechmánek concluded his NHL career, returning to Czechia before retiring in the 2007-08 season.

His impact extended beyond the NHL, marked by a remarkable .948 save percentage in the 2006-07 season in Czechia's top league.

Our condolences to the family, friends and those of the Čechmánek circle, rest in peace.