TURIN, Italy, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Goaltender Dominik Hasek of the Czech Republic said Friday he will be unable to play in the rest of the Olympic hockey tournament.
Forward Patrick Elias will also miss the rest of the Games, further damaging the medal hopes for a country that was among the favorites for the gold.
Hasek left in the first period of the Czech Republic's tournament opener with a leg injury. The Czechs fought off Germany in that game, 4-1, but with Tomas Vokoun in goal they were upset on Thursday by Switzerland, 3-2.
Vokoun, who plays for the Nashville Predators, will likely start for the remainder of the tournament.
"Our medical staff decided that I'm not able to play. It's over," Hasek said. "Also, I don't want to get hurt for the rest of the (NHL) season." Hasek is a member of the Ottawa Senators.
The Czechs will play unbeaten Finland on Saturday and also have games remaining against Italy and Finland. The top four teams from each of six-team groups will make the quarterfinals.
