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Father of Flames' Hudler passes away
By
SPORTS NETWORK
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  Calgary Flames Jiri Hudler during the first day of NHL training camp in Calgary, Alberta, Sunday January 13, 2013. (Al Charest/QMI Agency)
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CALGARY - The father of Calgary Flames forward Jiri Hudler passed away in the Czech Republic on Monday.
Jiri Hudler Sr. died at the age of 50 in Olomouc, a town roughly 175 miles south and east of Prague. According to a team release, his funeral is scheduled for Friday. A report in the Calgary Herald on Tuesday indicated there is no timetable for his son's return to the team.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jiri and his family, and as he grieves his loss our Flames family will be here to support him," said Flames general manager Jay Feaster.
The younger Hudler bolted Detroit as an unrestricted free agent and was signed by the Flames in July to a four-year deal worth $16 million.
Hudler posted 25 goals and 25 assists in 81 games for the Red Wings last season, adding two goals in five playoff contests.
The 29-year-old veteran had spent his entire eight-year NHL career in the Motor City, recording 87 goals and 214 points in 409 regular-season games. He contributed 12 goals and 33 points over 66 postseason tilts, winning a Stanley Cup with the franchise in 2008.
Calgary opens its truncated 2013 season on Sunday, hosting the San Jose Sharks.
