Valentin Claireaux in the jersey of HC Vítkovice Rider Source: Profimedia
OLOMOUC – Today’s meeting of the 16th round of the Czech Extraliga on the ice of Olomouc was the last in the career of Vítkovice forward Valentin Claireaux.
After losing the match 3:5, the Ostrava club announced on the website that the thirty-three-year-old French representative decided to quit hockey for family reasons. He played a farewell match with the captain’s badge on his jersey.
Family first
“The main and basically the only reason for ending my professional career is the family. This year we started the third season, during which the wife stayed at home with the children, and we found that the situation was unbearable for my wife. It is difficult to have two small children, without them nearby and help with common things and education at such a distance,” said Claireaux.
The participant of eight world championships does not have a home in the European territory of France, but in the overseas community of Saint Pierre and Miquelon near Canada. So it is more than five thousand kilometers away from Ostrava.
The team was in the first place for him
“Personally, I am very sorry that Valentín is ending his hockey career, because he was the type of player for whom the team always came first. We must respect his life decision.” said the owner of the Vítkovice club Aleš Pavlík.
“We thank Val for the work done in Vítkovice and wish him the best of luck in the next phase of his non-hockey life.” added sports director Roman Šimíček.
A big loss
After the meeting, coach David Bruk also commented on the loss of Claireaux. “Valentín will be missed very much. He has been in Vítkovice for a long time, he is a permanent member of the squad and is a great defensive player. I only have experience with him from this season, but he was also a point scorer before. We were satisfied with his performances this year.” pointed out Bruk.
“We don’t have a wide squad and we will have to fill the hole after him. Although he is a fourth-line player, his departure is noticeable for us. He took his role, which he performed excellently. We are not changing the captain, but Valentin is an important member of the cabin. He is very good and a person of character. The captain’s “ceck” was a farewell gesture from us.” dodal Use.
Former player of Zlín, Pardubice and Mladá Boleslav Claireaux started his second season in Vítkovice and finished with three goals and five assists in 14 games. In total, he played in 202 extra league matches, in which he collected 88 points for 31 goals and 57 assists.
The Vítkovice club stated that it is looking for a replacement for Claireaux.
- Author: © List/
- Facebook/HC Vítkovice Ridera
- Source: CTK
Valentin Claireaux: From Ice to Family – A Farewell to Hockey
Well, folks, grab your tissues because we’ve got a real heartstring tugger here. Valentin Claireaux, the chap who could probably ice skate while balancing a toddler on each arm, has decided to swap his skates for diapers. Yep, you heard that right! After a not-so-ice-cold 3:5 goodbye in his last match with HC Vítkovice, our darling Frenchman has decided to put family first. I mean, who needs the Czech Extraliga when you’ve got family chaos to navigate, eh?
Family First – Good Call, Valentin!
Claireaux himself revealed his reasons for leaving the rink, saying, “The main and basically the only reason for ending my professional career is the family.” Smart move, really. I mean, being on the opposite side of the globe from your family while trying to score goals — who wants to manage that when you can be elbow-deep in the joys (and mess) of domesticity? Parenting could easily be likened to a contact sport, minus the helmets, and here’s hoping he brings some of those defensive skills to the daycare!
Oh, and let’s not forget, this guy isn’t just a regular Joe from Paris; his home is Saint Pierre and Miquelon. So, if you were ever planning a “quick” trip to visit the in-laws, think again. Five thousand kilometers is no joke! Perhaps they should have just sent a postcard to the kids saying, “Wish you were here… or we were there… or anywhere that’s not five thousand kilometers away!”
Team Spirit vs. Family Commitment
Now, I can hear the echoes of the Vítkovice fans already lamenting, “Valentin was a team player! He put the team first!” And yes, he did, until he realized his wife was on the front lines of parenting solo while he was off playing in the rink. Aleš Pavlík, the owner, chimed in a bit emotional, saying, “We must respect his life decision.” Well, sure, Aleš, but isn’t it just like a player to hang up his skates and prioritize actual human connections over a frozen pond? Groundbreaking, I know!
Even the coach, David Bruk, lamented, “Valentín will be missed very much.” Yes, David, we know—it’s tough to say goodbye to a solid player. It’s like when your favorite pub runs out of mozzarella sticks; you’re left with a gaping void in your life. But honestly, what’s a point scorer compared to the madness of bedtime!?
A Big Loss for Vítkovice
Claireaux’s stats tell tales too: three goals and five assists in 14 games this season, 88 points over his remarkable career in 202 matches—an athlete with talent transferred to two tiny humans. How sweet! If only parenting came with stats—imagine counting the number of tantrums avoided or hugs given!
The club is already on the hunt for a replacement. I can just imagine the job description: “Must be able to score goals, pause for snack breaks, and clean up spills—must have charisma and a family-first mentality.” Sounds like the perfect player for the 21st century!
Farewell Valentin
So here’s to Valentin Claireaux—may your transition from professional hockey to the wild world of family life be as thrilling as a breakaway goal! You have a bright future ahead—just remember to put ‘nap time’ on your calendar and enjoy the little victories, like successfully cooking a meal that doesn’t end up on the ceiling. Cheers to the next phase!
OLOMOUC – In an emotional conclusion to the 16th round of the Czech Extraliga held in Olomouc, Vítkovice forward Valentin Claireaux bid farewell to professional hockey, marking the end of his illustrious career on the ice.
Following a 3:5 defeat, the Ostrava club confirmed on their website that the thirty-three-year-old French national decided to retire from hockey primarily for family reasons, choosing to play his final match wearing the captain’s badge as a poignant tribute to his commitment to the team.
Family first
“The main and basically the only reason for ending my professional career is the family. This year we started the third season, during which the wife stayed at home with the children, and we found that the situation was unbearable for my wife. It is difficult to have two small children, without them nearby and help with common things and education at such a distance,” said Claireaux, who reflected on the challenges of balancing a demanding sports career with family responsibilities.
The participant of eight world championships does not have a home in the European territory of France, but in the overseas community of Saint Pierre and Miquelon near Canada. So it is more than five thousand kilometers away from Ostrava, further complicating his ability to support his family.
The team was in the first place for him
“Personally, I am very sorry that Valentín is ending his hockey career, because he was the type of player for whom the team always came first. We must respect his life decision.” said Aleš Pavlík, the owner of the Vítkovice club, emphasizing Claireaux’s dedication to his teammates and the organization throughout his tenure.
“We thank Val for the work done in Vítkovice and wish him the best of luck in the next phase of his non-hockey life.”added sports director Roman Šimíček, acknowledging Claireaux’s contributions to the franchise and wishing him well on his new journey.
A big loss
After the meeting, coach David Bruk expressed his sentiments on Claireaux’s departure. “Valentín will be missed very much. He has been in Vítkovice for a long time, he is a permanent member of the squad and is a great defensive player. I only have experience with him from this season, but he was also a point scorer before. We were satisfied with his performances this year.” pointed out Bruk, reflecting on Claireaux’s multifaceted contributions both defensively and offensively.
“We don’t have a wide squad and we will have to fill the hole after him. Although he is a fourth-line player, his departure is noticeable for us. He took his role, which he performed excellently. We are not changing the captain, but Valentin is an important member of the cabin. He is very good and a person of character. The captain’s ‘ceck’ was a farewell gesture from us.” dodal Use, illustrating how Claireaux’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet to foster team cohesion and spirit.
Former player of Zlín, Pardubice and Mladá Boleslav, Claireaux started his second season in Vítkovice and finished with three goals and five assists across 14 games. In total, he played in 202 Extraliga matches, where he accumulated 88 points from 31 goals and 57 assists, leaving a lasting legacy in the league.
The Vítkovice club stated that it is actively searching for a suitable replacement for the departed Claireaux, as the team looks to fill the significant gap left by his exit.
- Author: © List/
- Facebook/HC Vítkovice Ridera
- Source: CTK
