Former Mooseheads defenceman Jiri Suchy dies in car accident at age 36
Former Halifax Mooseheads fan favourite Jiri Suchy died tragically in a car accident at just 36 years old.
The Czechia native played for the Mooseheads from 2005 to 2007, accumulating 33 points in 118 QMJHL games. Suchy also totalled 179 penalty minutes and left with a reputation as perhaps the best bodychecker in franchise history.
"Hands down the hardest hitter I have ever played with," former Mooseheads winger Bryce Swan posted on X. "This hurts. RIP Such."
The stocky five-foot-11, 207-pound defender had a devastating knack for catching opposing forwards with their head down. It was a skill that made him feared across the league and endeared him to the Halifax crowds.
"For such a small guy he would lay them out with those body checks," Ryan Macewan posted on Facebook.
Following his two seasons in Halifax, Suchy played professionally in Europe for eight years. He spent most of his career in his native Czechia but also had brief stops in Germany and Slovakia.
"This is so so sad," Krista Alford posted on Facebook. "I think of him and his smile every time I see #3. When (Jakub) Voracek was coming from the airport to Cole Harbour Place for training camp we asked Jiri how to say 'Welcome Jakub' in Czech and he wrote it out for me so we could have a poster to welcome him. He will be missed. May he rest easy."
Suchy was also active in the community around Halifax Regional Municipality during his years with the Mooseheads, leaving his mark as an approachable and outgoing personality during his many team outings.
"Jiri was such a super guy, always talked to him about everything, not just hockey," Moosemaniac11 posted on X. "If I had a son I would want him to be just like Jiri. RIP Jiri, my condolences to his family and friends."
"This broke my heart this morning," Rosanna Rousson posted on Facebook. "So sad to lose one of my favorites over the years. Rest easy."