Dream debut for Cech in penalty shootout win

Former Premier League goalkeeper Petr Cech proved himself a cool customer no matter the surface on Sunday, saving twice in a penalty shootout on his ice hockey debut to help fourth division Guildford Phoenix beat Swindon Wildcats 2.

The 37-year-old, who made more than 600 appearances for Chelsea and Arsenal, called time on his soccer career at the end of last season but announced last week that he was joining Phoenix and would play for the British team in his spare time.

Cech, currently Chelsea's technical and performance adviser, was named man-of-the-match for his heroics in goal and said he had surprised himself with his coolness under pressure in the penalty shootout.

Saved two shots to win the shootout.
Picked up the Man Of The Match award.
Had Chelsea and Arsenal badges on his helmet.

Petr Cech's first ice hockey game was 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4ZJNSIeNm1

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 13, 2019

"I was surprised that I wasn't more nervous. I didn't know what to expect so it was nice how quickly my body switched into match day mode," said Cech, whose last soccer appearance was in the Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea in May.

Cech is a lifelong ice hockey fan who played the sport as a youngster before switching to soccer.

He wore the jersey number 39 in tribute to former goaltender and two-times Stanley Cup champion Dominik Hasek, who played in the American National Hockey League for 16 seasons and helped the Czech Republic win gold at the 1998 Olympics.

Petr Cech's dream debut! 😍🏒

The former Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper says his ice hockey debut for Guildford Phoenix is the realisation of a childhood dream as he saved a match-winning penalty in a 3-2 victory against Swindon Wildcats 2 on Sunday: https://t.co/TcvVvExLdi pic.twitter.com/67YidVQ61I

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 14, 2019

"It was a childhood dream for me to play even one game of ice hockey," added Cech, who also wore a helmet emblazoned with the logos of both Arsenal and Chelsea. "I've done that now and nobody can take that from me.

"If you have a dream, you chase it and you do everything to make it happen. I've done that in football and all my dreams have come true.

"I said, 'this might be the last dream I was hoping to (achieve)'. But I worked hard for it. I think it can act as something for the young players to know that if you chase your dreams, then good things might happen." 

Was it ever in doubt?! 🏒@PetrCech was named man of the match on his competitive ice hockey debut as the match went to a penalty shoot-out, and you know what happens next...

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 13, 2019