Hockey community mourns the tragic loss of longtime Hall of Famer and coach at the age of 72
Photo credit: International Hockey Lineal Championship
The Hockey World mourns another tragic loss today, as former Czech Hockey Hall of Famer Jiři Kochta has passed away tragically at age 72.
The hockey world mourns another tragic loss, as Czech Hockey Hall of Famer Jiři Kochta was reported to have passed away at the age of 72. He had been battling cancer and had unfortunately lost the fight.
According to the IIHF website, Kochta died on April 3rd. He leaves behind two daughters, Marketa and Renata, who were world-class tennis players in the 1990s on the WTA tour.
Kochta won a Gold Medal with the World Famous 1972 World Championship team. But during his career, he wouldn't leave with just a gold, as he also won a Silver as well.
"The entire club is deeply saddened by this event and expresses its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of this club icon," HC Sparta Prague wrote on its website in memory of one of its greatest legends. Kochta played eleven seasons with Sparta, three as captain, and his playmaking with Jan Havel made the pair famous for many years with the team.
Kochta didn't just earn champions in the World Championships either, during his career in the late sixties, he played for Dukla Jihlava winning two championships with them consecutively in 1967 and 1968.
His playing career lasted two decades, longer than a lot of hockey players have the opportunity to make a name for themselves.
He'd win a silver medal in 1968, a bronze in 1972, and would play in several world championships with the Czech team.
Kochta would be inducted into the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010 for his accomplishments, which are a laundry list of excellent international play.
We send our deepest condolences to the Kochta family and friends.
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AVRIL 7 | 426 ANSWERS Hockey community mourns the tragic loss of longtime Hall of Famer and coach at the age of 72 Rest In peace Jiri Kochta | ||
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