After an lengthy career with six NHL teams and a myriad of international accomplishments, Czech forward Radek Dvořák today announced his immediate retirement from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Dvořák, the number ten pick of the Florida Panthers in the 1995 NHL Draft (after one season with HC České Budějovice of the Czech Extraliga), also had stints playing with the New York Rangers, Edmonton, St. Louis, Atlanta, Dallas, Anaheim and Carolina, tallying 227 goals and 560 points in 1260 career games. Dvořák twice played for the Stanley Cup (with the Panthers and Oilers), but never managed to get his name etched on Lord Stanley’s Mug.
Internationally, however, Dvořák was far more successful, being part of the Czech hockey dynasty that won him World Championship Gold in 1999, 2001 and 2005. Dvořák was also named to the Czech roster at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. In terms of the IHLC, Dvořák captured his first title at the 1999 World Championships, winning the IHLC again at the 2001 Worlds, 2002 Olympics, 2004 and 2005 Worlds.
We wish Radek and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!
Photo Credit: NBC Sports – IIHF – HHOF – IOC
