Pittsburgh Penguins’ Goalie Vokoun Finds Hockey Elsewhere

Dec 26, 2011; Buffalo, NY, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun (29) stops a shot by Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek (26) during the second period at the First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

After signing with Pittsburgh this past summer, Thomas Vokoun will be playing hockey with a different team for the first time since leaving the Washington Capitals, and it isn’t even the Penguins.

Thanks to the everlasting lockout, Vokoun is headed to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic where he has signed to play for his hometown team.  The backup goaltender became the Pittsburgh Penguins’ fourth player to sign with a team outside the NHL, all due to CBA negotiations stalling out as the two sides’ sit in a stalemate.

The decision to play in Europe followed the National Hockey League’s announcement of the Winter Classic’s cancellation.  The 36 year old goalie has two years and $4 million dollars remaining on his contract.