Martin Erat Becomes Fourth Capital Going to Sochi

Vladimir Sobotka’s spot on the Czech national team roster for the Winter Olympics in Sochi was vacated yesterday, after Sobotka suffered an injury to his left leg last Friday. He had tallied 25 points this season, playing in 46 games.

Erat being slammed into the boards against the Rangers. Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, Czech coach Alois Hadamczik announced that the 26-year old defenseman’s spot will be filled by Capitals winger Martin Erat. Erat helped the Czech team win third place for a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

He is the fourth player from the Capitals roster headed to Sochi. John Carlson (USA), Alex Ovechkin (Russia) and Nicklas Backstrom (Sweden) will all be joining Erat in Sochi trying to bring gold home to their native countries.