Former Premier League 'keeper Petr Cech joins Belfast Giants ice hockey team

BELFAST-BOUND: Petr Cech. Pic: Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper and current ice hockey netminder Peter Cech has joined Northern Irish team Belfast Giants on loan. 

Premier League legend Cech made his way into the sport of ice hockey upon his retirement from football in 2019. 

Upon finishing his career in football, he swapped football boots for ice skates, linking up with Guildford Phoenix in the process. He then played with Chelmsford Chieftains and Oxford City Stars, where he is currently employed.

41-year-old Cech has made the loan move to Belfast - who compete in the Elite League - from parent team Oxford City having already played for the Northern Irish outfit in a charity game earlier this year.

"Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level," said Belfast Giants coach Adam Keefe.

"We're very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself.

"His support during this loan period will be invaluable."

The Czech 'keeper made over 330 appearances for Chelsea from 2004 to 2015, before enjoying a four-year stay at London rivals Arsenal.