Photo: AP
Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek is now a member of the “Saves help” project, a non-profit started by goalie Šimon Hrubec in which fellow Czech goaltenders from the NHL, Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and the Czech Extraliga (top-tier ice hockey league in the Czech Republic) give back to the community.
The organization announced on Instagram that Vanecek is another member of Saves help:
We are extremely honored to introduce you to another member of Saves help, the goalkeeper of the Washington Capitals, VÍTEK VANĚČEK!
As mentioned, Hrubec created the project to give back to people. He spent nine seasons in the Czech Extraliga before signing a one-year contract with the KHL’s Kunlun Red Star in China in 2019. During his second season with the Red Star, Hrubec was traded and now plays for the KHL’s Avangard Omsk, who recently won the Gagarin Cup in late April.
Photo: Saves help
According to the project, each goaltender who joins donates a minimum of CZK 10 (about $500 USD) “for each of their successful interventions.”
Saves help also has an online store where proceeds from purchases will go towards the project.
Photo: Saves help
In addition to Vanecek, there are other familiar goalies a part of Saves help including Carolina Hurricanes’ Petr Mrazek, Toronto Maple Leafs’ David Rittich (previously with the Calgary Flames), and Colorado Avalanche’s Pavel Francouz.
By Della Young
