Tragedy For Czechs as the World Cup Approaches

Ivan Hlinka, who was set to coach the Czech Republic at the 2004 World Cup, has been killed in a car crash. He was 54 years old. A Czech team spokesman says Hlinka died after his car collided with a truck on Sunday, just west of Prague.

Hlinka played in the NHL and coached the Pittsburgh Penguins. But his greatest achievements came with the national team, most recently when he led the Czechs to an Olympic gold medal in 1998. His replacement is expected to be Vladimir Ruzicka, another NHL veteran who is coaching in the Czech league.