Former Chelsea and Arsenal legend Petr Cech joins Belfast Giants as emergency cover

Following a legendary playing career in football where the Czech Republic international won four Premier League titles and five FA Cup crowns, the 42-year-old has transitioned into ice hockey and is currently Oxford City Stars’ shot stopper in NIHL South Division 1.

It won’t be the first time Cech has donned the famous teal as he was part of a Belfast Giants All-Stars roster earlier this year that took on Ukrainian side Dnipro Kherson in a match which raised over £65,000 for Ukrainian Hockey Dream – the registered charity of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine.

“We’re very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself,” said Giants head coach Adam Keefe. “Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, so his support during this loan period will be invaluable.”

The Giants have lost four of their last five Elite League matches – a competition in which they are defending champions – including Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Guilford Flames.