Rostislav Klesla is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He was born on March 21, 1982, in Novy Jicin, Czechoslovakia. Klesla began his hockey career in his home country, playing for HC Verva Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga. He was drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, becoming the first player in franchise history to be selected in the first round.
Klesla made his NHL debut in the 2000-2001 season, playing in 57 games for the Blue Jackets. He quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman, known for his physical play and defensive prowess. Klesla spent the majority of his career with the Blue Jackets, playing for the team for over a decade. He also had brief stints with the Phoenix Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Washington Capitals.
Throughout his career, Klesla was known for his toughness and willingness to play through injuries. He suffered several injuries over the years, including a broken leg, a concussion, and a torn groin muscle. Despite these setbacks, Klesla continued to play at a high level and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Klesla's best season came in 2005-2006, when he recorded 22 points (6 goals, 16 assists) in 77 games for the Blue Jackets. He also played for the Czech Republic in several international tournaments, including the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
In 2014, Klesla announced his retirement from professional hockey. He finished his career with 159 points (48 goals, 111 assists) in 659 NHL games. Klesla was known for his leadership and work ethic, and he was a fan favorite in Columbus.
Since retiring, Klesla has remained involved in hockey. He has worked as a scout for the Buffalo Sabres and as a coach for HC Verva Litvinov. Klesla's legacy as a tough, reliable defenseman has earned him a place in the hearts of hockey fans around the world.
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