Alpine Canada – ACA Supports Jan Hudec’s Move To The Czech Ski Federation

Dear Friends: 

On behalf of Alpine Canada Alpin (“ACA”), we are writing to let you all know that today, ACA has approved the request of long-time Canadian Alpine Ski Team member Jan Hudec, to transfer his FIS registration to the Czech National Ski Team.  Upon the approval of the International Ski Federation (FIS), Jan will then be eligible to compete as a member of the Czech Team next season.   

Last week, ACA announced our 2016-17 alpine, para alpine and ski cross teams, with over 35 athletes proudly representing Canada.  Unfortunately, Jan was not named to the team, as he did not meet selection criteria required for all eligible athletes.  

Prior to our team announcement, ACA offered Jan the opportunity to join our alpine program.   We discussed with Jan certain conditions to ensure that he could successfully return to the World Cup tour as a podium contender.  This included a successful rehabilitation of his most recent knee surgery, fitness standards, World Cup performance benchmarks, and a financial contribution to the additional costs that would be incurred to support him on the team.

It is important to know that we continued to work with Jan after the team selection was announced, and let him know that we were more then willing to find accommodation that would enable him to return to the team.  However, at this stage of Jan’s career, he is making a decision that can best meet his desire to fulfill and lead a different way of life, that reaches beyond ski racing.  

Jan has been clear that due to his other personal and business interests, he cannot commit himself to the program structure of the Canadian National Ski Team.   Over the past several years, Jan has been living part-time in the Czech Republic and has significant family ties to the country.

ACA, its athletes, coaches, staff and Board of Directors applaud and graciously thank Jan Hudec for his contributions to Alpine Canada Alpin and Canadian ski racing.    His career is best highlighted by his bronze medal at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games as well as several World Cup podiums.  He has been a teammate, friend and colleague of many current and former ACA athletes, coaches and staff.   Known to many as “The Panda”, Jan Hudec brought a personality to our team and organization that was unique and warmly embraced by ski fans across the country. 

As we discussed with Jan this past week, Canadian ski racing and the Panda are forever “tied at the hip”.  What we have accomplished together is nothing short of remarkable, and we will continue to embrace Jan as he embarks on this next chapter in his life.   Thank you Jan, for everything you have given our sport! 

Sincerely, 

Chris Slubicki

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Mark Rubinstein 
President & CEO