WATCH: Soccer legend Petr Cech dons hockey gear in faceoff against Blackhawks at practice faculty

<strong>WATCH: Soccer legend Petr Cech dons hockey gear in faceoff against Blackhawks at practice faculty</strong>

Petr Cech [Image Credit: NHL.com]

Petr Cech had a fun weekday, experiencing both soccer and hockey games with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League. Just as Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek invited Cech for on-ice practice, the players also went on the soccer field to fire some penalty shots with Cech.

Donning hockey gear with fully adjusted cleats and gloves, Cech was ready to take on Blackhawks opponents, while mentioning how excited he is to play against real pros. Considered one of the greatest soccer goalies of all time, Cech wasted no time skating on ice and settling near the net.

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Cech now plays semipro hockey for Chelmsford of the NHL South Division I in the United Kingdom. Now, instead of stopping soccer balls, he excitingly gets ready to stop the pucks. Mrazek who invited the soccer legend stated, “Yeah, he looks like a real goalie, I would say”. “You wouldn’t say he never played hockey, he played only soccer.”

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Petr Cech shows off hockey skill against Blackhawks on ice

Petr Cech [Image Credit: GiveMeSport]
Petr Cech [Image Credit: GiveMeSport]

Petr Mrazek stated that for a while he’s been trying to get Cech onto NHL ice. He’s been talking with the Blackhawks coach and organization about it. Things would have escalated if the pandemic didn’t hit in late 2019. Finally, in early December he got the ‘ok’ sign from GM Kyle Davidson, and coach Luke Richardson, and even goaltending coach Jimmy Waite.

Regarding his game day Cech said, “Of course, you’re facing the top players in the world”. “You have to expect they all have a good shot and obviously being clever and in control when you face them.” 

“At the end of the day, you try to do the same thing. You try to fill the gaps and try to read, which is harder. But overall, I really enjoyed it. It’s a priceless experience for me to get on the ice and try it out.”

Mrazek will also be present during Thursday’s match as Blackhawks face off against Stanley Cup champions Colorado Avalanche at United Center before returning to London on Friday. Even Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou was impressed by Cech’s goaltending skills.

Andreas commented, “He’s pretty smooth out there”. “He plays [hockey] a little bit, so you can see he’s pretty comfortable out there. I grew up watching [soccer] and playing a little bit at least, so I know who he is. Pretty cool to get the opportunity to take some penalty shots on him, go on the soccer field with him and obviously him come on the ice.”

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