Detroit Red Wings

Son of Former Red Wings Forward Klima Involved in Czech Doping Scandal

One of three Czech players who gave a positive test

Published

10 months ago

July 22, 2023

Bob Duff

Twins Kelly and Kevin Klima are the sons of former Red Wings forward Petr Klima.

One of the twin sons of former Detroit Red Wings forward Petr Klima is facing a lengthy suspension from the Czech Extraliga following a positive drug test.

Kevin Klima is among three players for Hradek Kralove who returned a positive test during last season’s playoff semifinal against Vitkovice. All three players are under team suspension and could be facing a two-to-four-year expulsion from the league.

Our condolences to Wildcats alumni Kevin & Kelly Klima on the passing of their father, Petr Klima.

Nous présentons nos condoléances à Kevin et Kelly Klima, anciens élèves des Wildcats, à l'occasion du décès de leur père, Petr Klima. https://t.co/dHJxbxOWCJ

— Moncton Wildcats (@monctonwildcats) May 4, 2023

The players tested positive for a banned stimulant that was contained within a dietary supplement each consumed to combat the flu. It could be months before the investigation is complete and a ruling on the matter is put forward.

“Unfortunately, individual processes take such a long time,” Jan Šťovíček, lawyer for the trio told isport.blesk.cz. “It is a bit of a bureaucratic matter, the matter is first dealt with by the Anti-Doping Committee, which conducts the proceedings.”

The positive test came in April, about a month before Petr Klima died suddenly at the age of 58.

Kelly Klima With New Club

While his brother is wondering when he’ll get to play again, Kelly Klima is preparing to continue his hockey career with a new team. He left Hradek Kralove last season, finishing the campaign playing for Mlada Bolesov BK.

He admits that he and his brother are still dealing with the shocking and sudden loss of their father.

“You can’t forget,” Kelly admits. “I have the most peace of mind when I’m on the ice. Obviously, what happened with dad can’t be forgotten, but now I want to focus on hockey and improve every day.”

Kelly, 26, was on the move again this summer, joining Liberec.

“I play fast hockey and they skate a lot here and I believe that I will fit in here,” Kelly said. “It was satisfying in Boleslav, but overall it didn’t work out very well and I was looking for something better.

“I believe that I will find it in Liberec. There are all very good players around me. I look forward to playing with them.”