The former Chelsea shot-stopper will be swapping the green of the football pitch for the cold ice of the SSE Arena for Ukraine charity game.
One of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of football, and perhaps the greatest goalkeeper of the Premier League era, will line out for the Belfast Giants in a charity match on Wednesday.
Yes, you read that right. Chelsea great Petr Cech has agreed to play as a guest netminder for the Irish side. The Giants will take on Ukrainian team Dnipro Kherson at the SSE Arena on 19 April to raise money for Ukraine.
Ice hockey and football fans alike are sure to make the most of his attendance in the city.
Who is Petr Cech? – now Belfast’s greatest-ever keeper
Many regard Petr Cech as one of the best goalkeepers in football history. Cech was a Czech Republic international who signed for Chelsea in 2004. He later joined Arsenal in 2014 after Thibaut Courtois took over in goal for the Blues.
Cech won the Champions League and three Premier League titles while at Chelsea. He also added a range of other trophies and personal accolades during his decade at the club.
Cech’s Chelsea also hold the record for the least amount of goals conceded in a single Premier League season. Chelsea won the 2004/05 Premier League title conceding a mere 15 goals across the entire campaign.
Cech has been playing ice hockey since 2019. He joined Guildford Phoenix back then, before moving up a division and signing for Chelmsford Chieftains in November 2022.
The charity game – what to expect
Dnipro are a Ukrainian National Championship side. Their stadium has been destroyed in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
All proceeds of the game are to be donated in support of the Ukrainian Hockey Dream. This registered charity of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine aims to raise money for over 7,000 young players across 100 clubs and 15 schools in the country.
40-year-old Cech is sure to bring added attention to the cause and hopefully boost funds and proceeds arising from the game.
What the man himself had to say – excited to play for Belfast
Speaking about his participation, he said he is excited to play with the Ulster-based team. “With the Belfast Giants having just completed the treble, I don’t doubt there will be a good feel and atmosphere around the SSE Arena.
“It’s a charity game for a great cause, and I’m always happy to help and support wherever possible to help change the lives of other people.
“It’s going to be great to come back to Belfast as I have great memories of winning the UEFA Super Cup there a few years ago with Chelsea, and I’m looking forward to making some more on Wednesday night”.
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