Robert Reichel is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He began his career in his home country, playing for HC Litvínov in the Czechoslovak Extraliga. In 1990, he was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Reichel made his NHL debut in the 1990-91 season, playing in 14 games for the Flames. He spent the majority of the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles. The following season, Reichel became a regular in the Flames' lineup, playing in 78 games and scoring 40 points.
In 1992, Reichel was traded to the New York Islanders, where he played for three seasons. He had his best season in 1993-94, scoring 40 goals and 73 points in 84 games. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team that season.
After his time with the Islanders, Reichel played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks. He had a successful stint with the Maple Leafs, scoring 20 goals and 50 points in the 1998-99 season. He also represented the Czech Republic in international play, winning a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics and a bronze medal at the 1992 World Championships.
Reichel retired from professional hockey in 2008, after playing his final season with HC Litvínov. He finished his NHL career with 830 games played, 252 goals, and 640 points. He was known for his speed, skill, and versatility, playing both center and wing positions throughout his career.
In addition to his success on the ice, Reichel was also known for his philanthropic work. He established the Robert Reichel Foundation in 2001, which supports children's charities in the Czech Republic. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for various causes, including children's hospitals, orphanages, and schools.
Overall, Robert Reichel had a successful career in professional hockey, both in the NHL and internationally. He was a skilled player who made an impact on every team he played for, and his contributions to charity have made a lasting impact off the ice as well.
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