Prusek Out Of World Cup

[Maakala]

Prusek withdraws from World Cup

Canadian Press

8/28/2004

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) - Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Prusek withdrew from the Czech national team for the World Cup of Hockey starting next week due to a hip injury, an official said Saturday.

Prusek will be replaced by Dusan Salficky, who plays for CSKA Moscow in Russia's first division, Czech national team spokesman Pavel Barta said.

The 32-year-old Salficky becomes the third member of the Czech World Cup team to be chosen from a European club. The rest play in North America's National Hockey League.

The Czechs open the World Cup on Monday against Finland in Helsinki. The eight-team tournament concludes on Sept. 14 in Toronto.

The other two Czech goalies are Tomas Vokoun of the Nashville Predators and Roman Cechmanek of the Los Angeles Kings.

It was the fourth change for the Czechs.

Earlier, the team replaced Detroit Red Wings forward Robert Lang with Petr Sykora of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks; Pavel Kubina of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Red Wings defenceman Jiri Fischer; and Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Frantisek Kaberle with Martin Skoula of the Ducks.

The tournament will be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 at several sites in North America and Europe.

The Czechs will be placed in the European Pool, along with Finland, Germany and Sweden.




Too bad I wanted to see Marty play for the Czechs. I hope it isn't too serious and he is ready for training camp.