Kevin and Kelly Klima, the twin sons of the late NHL legend Petr Klima, paid tribute to their father during a special exhibition game in Litvinov. The game was held in honor of Petr Klima, who passed away suddenly in May at the age of 58. The Klima twins, who both play professional hockey, were emotional during the game, with Kevin scoring a goal in the third period.
“This goal is definitely one of the most important for me, even though it was just an exhibition,” Kevin said after the game. “I missed in the first two periods, so I wanted to at least score in the third. I’m glad I accomplished that.”
It didn’t matter which of the twins scored the winning goal for the Alba Team, but Kevin saw symbolism in his brother’s goal. “It’s better that Kevin scored the goal, with our dad’s number 85 on his back,” Kelly said.
Petr Klima chose the number 85 for his NHL jersey because it represented the year of his emigration to the United States in 1985. He played in the NHL for thirteen seasons and won the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990. Klima, nicknamed “Kozel,” was beloved by fans and his sudden death was a shock to the hockey community.
The game in Litvinov was filled with emotion as the crowd chanted Petr Klima’s name instead of observing a moment of silence. The Klima twins watched the tribute from the ice, their eyes focused on the big screen displaying their father’s photo.
“It meant a lot to us. It was an emotional moment. I want to thank everyone who came and applauded. Czech hockey fans are excellent,” Kelly said to the six-thousand-strong crowd. “Dad was a great player, he loved hockey, he loved scoring goals, and the fans definitely loved him. And he loved them.”
Despite the emotional moment, the twenty-six-year-old siblings held back tears. “That’s behind us now. We wanted to enjoy the game and play for our dad,” Kelly said. “Especially since we were playing together after a long time.” The twins started the game on a line with Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak for the Legends Team.
“It was special to play alongside Pasta, he’s the best hockey player in the world. It was an amazing experience. It’s easier to play with him than with others. Every time he steps on the ice, you can see that he’s an incredible player, completely different from everyone else,” Kevin said. Kevin currently plays for Hradec Kralove, but his activity has been suspended due to a doping violation. Kelly, who recently joined Liberec, added, “I will always remember playing with Pastrnak on the same line.”
Pastrnak returned the compliments in front of the television cameras, saying, “I like how the Klima twins skate so effortlessly. They keep their heads up. But they’re twins, always looking for each other! No, I’m just kidding. It’s exceptional to be able to play with them.”
The twins also recalled their mischievous childhood memories at the Litvinov rink. Their father ended his career with the Chemopetrol Litvinov team from 2001 to 2003, serving as the team captain. “I remember going into the Litvinov locker room as a kid and causing chaos. And we also used to go to the games,” Kelly reminisced.
Kevin’s memories from preschool years were more specific. “I remember goalie Marek Pinc the most. We used to switch his shoes in the locker room, and it annoyed him. Viki Hübl was just starting out in Litvinov. We were little and we bothered everyone in the locker room. When dad had practices and games, we went with him to the rink. I grew up like that.”Title: Kevin and Kelly Klima pay tribute to their late father, hockey legend Petr Klima, in exhibition match
Subtitle: The Klima twins score in a special exhibition match held in memory of their father, Petr Klima
Date: August 22, 2023
In a heartfelt exhibition match held in Litvínov, Czech Republic, Kevin and Kelly Klima, the twin sons of late hockey legend Petr Klima, paid tribute to their father by scoring a goal each. The match was organized to honor Petr Klima, who passed away suddenly in May at the age of 58.
The Klima twins, who have followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued professional hockey careers, expressed their emotions after the game. Kevin, who plays for Hradec Králové, described the goal as one of the most important in his career, despite it being scored in an exhibition match. He expressed his gratitude for being able to fulfill his goal of scoring, especially with his father’s number, 85, on his back.
Petr Klima, known as “Kozel” among friends, had a successful career in the NHL, playing for thirteen seasons and winning the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990. He chose the number 85 on his jersey to symbolize the year of his emigration to the United States in 1985.
The exhibition match, held in Litvínov where the Klima twins learned to play hockey, was attended by a packed stadium. The crowd chanted Petr Klima’s name and
How did the Klima twins honor their father’s legacy in their hockey careers?
Er room as kids and putting on our dad’s old equipment,” Kevin said. “We would pretend to be him and imagine what it would be like to play in front of a packed arena.”
Kelly added, “We used to sneak onto the ice after games and try to mimic our dad’s moves. We would stay out there for hours, dreaming of one day making it to the big leagues.”
The Klima twins have certainly followed in their father’s footsteps. Both talented forwards, they have had successful careers in professional hockey. Kevin, who was the leading scorer in the Czech Extraliga last season, has been a standout player for Hradec Kralove. Kelly, on the other hand, is just beginning his professional career with Liberec, but has already shown promising potential.
Playing in the exhibition game in honor of their father was a bittersweet moment for the twins. “It was an emotional rollercoaster,” Kevin said. “We were proud to be able to pay tribute to our dad, but it was also a reminder of how much we miss him.”
Despite the emotions, the Klima twins were able to find joy in the game and in playing alongside their childhood idol, David Pastrnak. The opportunity to share the ice with such a talented player was a dream come true for them.
As the Klima twins continue to navigate their own hockey careers, they carry their father’s legacy with them. Petr Klima’s impact on the game and on their lives will always be remembered.
“We hope to make our dad proud,” Kelly said. “He taught us everything we know about hockey and we’re determined to honor his memory through our play on the ice.”
With their dedication, skill, and passion for the game, it’s clear that the Klima twins are destined for great things in their own right. And as they continue to make their mark on the hockey world, they will forever be reminded of their father’s influence and the love they shared for the game.
