Former Cup Winner, 13-Year Veteran Dead At 58

Known for scoring one of the most memorable goals in Edmonton Oilers history, former Stanley Cup winner and 13-year NHL veteran Petr Klima has died, unexpectedly, at the age of 58.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of #Oilers alum Petr Klima & extend our condolences to his family & all loved ones.

The forward scored one of the most iconic goals in team history, tallying the triple-OT winner in Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final vs. Boston. pic.twitter.com/EIJCUnRoPU

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 4, 2023

In the 1990 Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins, Klima scored the triple-overtime game-winner in Game 1, as the Oilers went on to win the Cup in five games. 

Klima followed that up with the best season of his career the next year, scoring 40 goals for the Oilers. 

He played five years in Edmonton all told, and six seasons with the Detroit Red Wings during his 13-year career that ended in 1999. He totaled 313 goals and 573 points in 786 career NHL games.

Klima defected in 1985 from Czechoslovakia, following in the footsteps of the Stastny brothers, Peter and Miroslav, five years before. 

According to Czech media, the cause of his death is unknown. He was, in fact, seen watching his son Kevin playing in the recent Czech league finals just days ago.