Detroit — Petr Klima, one of the most popular players in his era with the Red Wings, died unexpectedly in his native Czechia Thursday at the age of 58.
News reports out of Czechia, and confirmed by the Czech Ice Hockey Federation, say Klima was found in his home in Chomutov, with no further details.
Klima was drafted in 1983 in the fifth round (86th overall) by the Red Wings and made his NHL debut two years later.
Klima, 20 at the time, defected to North America during the summer of 1985, a plan orchestrated by the Wings' organization.