Petr Cech: Ex-Chelsea keeper re-signs for Belfast Giants

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has re-signed for Elite League ice hockey team Belfast Giants on a short-term loan deal.

Cech again joins the Giants as temporary netminding cover from National Ice Hockey League side Oxford City Stars.

He made one appearance during his previous spell in November as the Giants beat Glasgow Clan 5-1.

"I'm happy to be coming back to Belfast to rejoin the Giants," said Cech.

"I'm looking forward to getting back on the ice and making more memories this time around."

Cech's cameo in the win against Glasgow saw him make his professional ice hockey debut in front of a sell-out crowd of over 6,000 at the SSE Arena.

Belfast Giants coach Adam Keefe expressed his delight at bringing the Czech netminder back to the club.

"Petr was a great guy to have around the locker room during his last loan period with the Giants, and his experience and knowledge of performing at the highest level is invaluable," Keele said.

"It was fantastic to see Petr make his professional debut earlier this season, and we're, once again, incredibly appreciative of Oxford City Stars' support."

Cech had previously guested for the Giants in Belfast in April last year against Ukrainian side Dnipro Kherson in a charity game which raised over £65,000 to support the continuation of ice hockey in the war-affected country.

He played more than 330 football games for Chelsea between 2004 and 2015 before a further four-year stint at Arsenal.

He won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League, and Europa League before retiring from professional football in 2019.

Cech also made 124 international appearances for his country, playing in the 2006 World Cup and at the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

After his football career ended in 2019, he began playing ice hockey for Guildford Phoenix before subsequent spells at Chelmsford Chieftains and his current team Oxford City Stars.