Rostislav Klesla
Encyclopedia
Rostislav "Rusty" Klesla (born March 21, 1982) is a Czech
professional ice hockey
defenceman
for the Phoenix Coyotes
of the National Hockey League
(NHL). During the off season, Klesla spends his time in the Czech Republic. Klesla was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets
in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft
, making him the first ever pick in an entry draft by the Blue Jackets. He also played with the Brampton Battalion
of the Ontario Hockey League
(OHL). He currently wears number 97 after beginning his career with the number 44.
of the USHL. In 54 games, Klesla had four goals and 16 points, while getting 100 penalty minutes. In five playoff games, Klesla scored two goals.
of the OHL
for the 1999–2000
season. In 67 games with Brampton, Klesla had 16 goals and 45 points, along with 174 penalty minutes, as he helped the Battalion to their first ever playoff berth. In six playoff games, Klesla had a goal and two points. He returned to the Battalion in 2000–01 season, having a break out season offensively. In 45 games, Klesla had 18 goals and 54 points. Klesla then added two goals and 11 points in nine playoff games. Klesla also played for the Czech Republic
in the 2001 World Junior Hockey Championship, where he had three goals and seven points in seven games.
. He stayed in the NHL on a full time basis in 2001–02, as Klesla had eight goals and 16 points in 75 games with the Blue Jackets, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team
. After the season, Klesla played for the Czech Republic
in the World Hockey Championship, where he had a goal and three points in seven games.
Klesla had two goals and 16 points with the Blue Jackets in 2002–03, while scoring two goals and 13 points in a 47 game injury shortened season with Columbus in 2003–04. With the 2004–05 NHL lockout cancelling the season, Klesla played with HC Vsetin of the Czech Extraliga
, where he had seven goals and 24 points in 41 games. Klesla also played with HPK Hameenlinna of the SM-liiga
, where he had a goal and three points in nine games, followed by two assists in 10 playoff games with the club.
Klesla returned to the Blue Jackets in 2005–06, where he had six goals and 19 points in only 51 games played. After the season, Klesla signed a four-year contract extension with the team. On September 26, 2006, Klesla was suspended for two regular season games for a hit on the Chicago Blackhawks
Tuomo Ruutu
in a preseason game on September 22. Ruutu missed ten games due to a grade two sprain on his knee. Klesla had a very solid 2006–07 season, as he was placed alongside Adam Foote
as the Blue Jackets top defensive pairing after coach Ken Hitchcock
was hired by the team. In 75 games, Klesla had nine goals and 22 points. In 2007–08, Klesla appeared in all 82 Blue Jacket games, scoring six goals and 18 points. In the off-season, teammate David Vyborny
left the Blue Jackets, making Klesla the last remaining player from the Blue Jackets inaugural season.
During an injury shortened 2008–09
season, in which Klesla appeared in only 34 games, he scored a goal and nine points, helping Columbus to their first ever post-season appearance. In four playoff games, Klesla had an assist as the Detroit Red Wings
swept the Blue Jackets. Injury problems plagued Klesla in the 2009–10
season, as he played in only 26 games, scoring two goals and eight points. In 2010–11
, Klesla had three goals and 10 points in 45 games with Columbus. On February 28, 2011, the Blue Jackets traded Klesla and Dane Byers
to the Phoenix Coyotes
for Scottie Upshall
and Sami Lepisto
. He was referred to by fans (and the Blue Jackets' TV broadcast team) as "Rusty". He also used to end every interview with Jim Day of Fox Sports Net
with variations of "Thank you, Jim Day."
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
defenceman
Defenceman (ice hockey)
Defence in ice hockey is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring...
for the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). During the off season, Klesla spends his time in the Czech Republic. Klesla was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft
2000 NHL Entry Draft
The 2000 NHL Entry Draft was held from June 24 to 25 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, following the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft on June 23 for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild...
, making him the first ever pick in an entry draft by the Blue Jackets. He also played with the Brampton Battalion
Brampton Battalion
The Brampton Battalion are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Brampton, Ontario and started playing in 1998.-History:The Brampton Battalion were granted an expansion franchise on December 3, 1996...
of the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
(OHL). He currently wears number 97 after beginning his career with the number 44.
Czech Republic
Klesla spent the 1997–98 season with HC Opava Jr. of the Czech Republic Junior League, where in 38 games, Klesla scored 11 goals and 29 points. In eight playoff games, Klesla had two goals and four points.Sioux City Musketeers
Klesla began playing junior hockey in North America in 1998–99, when he played for the Sioux City MusketeersSioux City Musketeers
The Sioux City Musketeers is a Tier 1 junior ice hockey team playing in the West Division of the United States Hockey League .The Musketeers' home ice is Tyson Events Center.The Musketeers have had 15 players reach the NHL...
of the USHL. In 54 games, Klesla had four goals and 16 points, while getting 100 penalty minutes. In five playoff games, Klesla scored two goals.
Brampton Battalion
Klesla moved to the Brampton BattalionBrampton Battalion
The Brampton Battalion are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Brampton, Ontario and started playing in 1998.-History:The Brampton Battalion were granted an expansion franchise on December 3, 1996...
of the OHL
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
for the 1999–2000
1999–2000 OHL season
The 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:...
season. In 67 games with Brampton, Klesla had 16 goals and 45 points, along with 174 penalty minutes, as he helped the Battalion to their first ever playoff berth. In six playoff games, Klesla had a goal and two points. He returned to the Battalion in 2000–01 season, having a break out season offensively. In 45 games, Klesla had 18 goals and 54 points. Klesla then added two goals and 11 points in nine playoff games. Klesla also played for the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
in the 2001 World Junior Hockey Championship, where he had three goals and seven points in seven games.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Klesla appeared in eight games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000–01 season, as he scored two goals for the team, before being sent back to junior hockey with the Brampton BattalionBrampton Battalion
The Brampton Battalion are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Brampton, Ontario and started playing in 1998.-History:The Brampton Battalion were granted an expansion franchise on December 3, 1996...
. He stayed in the NHL on a full time basis in 2001–02, as Klesla had eight goals and 16 points in 75 games with the Blue Jackets, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team
NHL All-Rookie Team
The NHL All-Rookie Team is chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association from the best rookies in the National Hockey League at each position for the season just concluded based on their performance in that year...
. After the season, Klesla played for the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
in the World Hockey Championship, where he had a goal and three points in seven games.
Klesla had two goals and 16 points with the Blue Jackets in 2002–03, while scoring two goals and 13 points in a 47 game injury shortened season with Columbus in 2003–04. With the 2004–05 NHL lockout cancelling the season, Klesla played with HC Vsetin of the Czech Extraliga
Czech Extraliga
The Czech Extraliga is the highest-level ice hockey league in the Czech Republic. As of 2009, it is ranked by the IIHF as the third strongest league in Europe....
, where he had seven goals and 24 points in 41 games. Klesla also played with HPK Hameenlinna of the SM-liiga
SM-liiga
The SM-liiga is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. As of March 2008, it is ranked by the IIHF as the second strongest league in Europe. It was created in 1975 to replace the SM-sarja, which was fundamentally an amateur league. The SM-liiga is not directly overseen by the Finnish Ice...
, where he had a goal and three points in nine games, followed by two assists in 10 playoff games with the club.
Klesla returned to the Blue Jackets in 2005–06, where he had six goals and 19 points in only 51 games played. After the season, Klesla signed a four-year contract extension with the team. On September 26, 2006, Klesla was suspended for two regular season games for a hit on the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
Tuomo Ruutu
Tuomo Ruutu
Tuomo Iisakki Ruutu is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League...
in a preseason game on September 22. Ruutu missed ten games due to a grade two sprain on his knee. Klesla had a very solid 2006–07 season, as he was placed alongside Adam Foote
Adam Foote
Adam David Vernon Foote is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He was best known for his physical presence and gritty play as a stay-at-home defenceman....
as the Blue Jackets top defensive pairing after coach Ken Hitchcock
Ken Hitchcock
Ken Hitchcock also known as "Hitch" is an NHL hockey coach and pro scout, currently coaching the St. Louis Blues.-Early Years:...
was hired by the team. In 75 games, Klesla had nine goals and 22 points. In 2007–08, Klesla appeared in all 82 Blue Jacket games, scoring six goals and 18 points. In the off-season, teammate David Vyborny
David Vyborny
David Výborný is a Czech professional ice hockey player currently playing for BK Mladá Boleslav of the Czech Extraliga. He has played for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League .-Early career:...
left the Blue Jackets, making Klesla the last remaining player from the Blue Jackets inaugural season.
During an injury shortened 2008–09
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the...
season, in which Klesla appeared in only 34 games, he scored a goal and nine points, helping Columbus to their first ever post-season appearance. In four playoff games, Klesla had an assist as the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
swept the Blue Jackets. Injury problems plagued Klesla in the 2009–10
2009–10 NHL season
The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010...
season, as he played in only 26 games, scoring two goals and eight points. In 2010–11
2010–11 NHL season
The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech...
, Klesla had three goals and 10 points in 45 games with Columbus. On February 28, 2011, the Blue Jackets traded Klesla and Dane Byers
Dane Byers
Dane Byers is a Canadian professional ice hockey player with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization...
to the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
for Scottie Upshall
Scottie Upshall
Scott Upshall is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League...
and Sami Lepisto
Sami Lepistö
Sami Lepistö is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. He is the son of former Jokerit captain and youth international defenceman Jussi Lepistö...
. He was referred to by fans (and the Blue Jackets' TV broadcast team) as "Rusty". He also used to end every interview with Jim Day of Fox Sports Net
Fox Sports Net
The Fox Sports Regional Networks, or simply Fox Sports Net , are a collection of cable TV regional sports networks in the United States owned and operated by News Corporation.- Beginnings :...
with variations of "Thank you, Jim Day."
Regular season and playoffs
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1997–98 | Opava Junior | Czech Jr | 38 | 11 | 18 | 29 | 87 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 1998–99 | Sioux City Musketeers Sioux City Musketeers The Sioux City Musketeers is a Tier 1 junior ice hockey team playing in the West Division of the United States Hockey League .The Musketeers' home ice is Tyson Events Center.The Musketeers have had 15 players reach the NHL... |
USHL United States Hockey League The United States Hockey League is the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. The USHL has 16 member teams located in the Midwestern United States, consisting of players who are 20 years of age and younger... |
54 | 4 | 12 | 16 | 100 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1999–00 1999–2000 OHL season The 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:... |
Brampton Battalion Brampton Battalion The Brampton Battalion are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Brampton, Ontario and started playing in 1998.-History:The Brampton Battalion were granted an expansion franchise on December 3, 1996... |
OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
67 | 16 | 29 | 45 | 174 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 21 | ||
| 2000–01 | Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2000–01 | Brampton Battalion | OHL | 45 | 18 | 36 | 54 | 59 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 26 | ||
| 2001–02 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 75 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 74 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 72 | 2 | 14 | 16 | 71 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 47 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 27 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2004–05 | HC Vsetin | Czech Czech Extraliga The Czech Extraliga is the highest-level ice hockey league in the Czech Republic. As of 2009, it is ranked by the IIHF as the third strongest league in Europe.... |
41 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 136 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2004–05 | HPK HPK HPK is an ice hockey team in the SM-liiga. They play in Hämeenlinna, Finland at the Hämeenlinnan jäähalli. HPK was established in 1929. The full name of the club is HPK-Edustusjääkiekko Ry and the team is sometimes promoted as the "Hockey Playing Knights", with the logo representing a knight... |
FNL SM-liiga The SM-liiga is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. As of March 2008, it is ranked by the IIHF as the second strongest league in Europe. It was created in 1975 to replace the SM-sarja, which was fundamentally an amateur league. The SM-liiga is not directly overseen by the Finnish Ice... |
9 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 12 | ||
| 2005–06 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 51 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 75 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2006–07 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 75 | 9 | 13 | 22 | 105 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 82 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 60 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 34 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 38 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 NHL season The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010... |
Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 26 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 NHL season The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech... |
Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 45 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2010–11 | Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix Coyotes The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena.... |
NHL | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | ||
| NHL totals | 531 | 42 | 92 | 134 | 520 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Comp | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
WJC-A | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 4 | |
| 2002 | Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
WC-A Ice Hockey World Championships The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation . First officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics, it is the sport's highest profile annual international tournament. The IIHF was created in 1908 while the European... |
7 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2007 | Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
WC-A Ice Hockey World Championships The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation . First officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics, it is the sport's highest profile annual international tournament. The IIHF was created in 1908 while the European... |
4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | |
| International totals | 18 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 14 | |||