Today, it was very sad news for us. 57-year old Vladimír Svitek, former hockey player of VSŽ and current couch of our young players, has left us forever.

Vladimír Svitek was born on October 19, 1962 in Banská Bystrica. He was Slovak professional hockey player who played in the Czechoslovak First Hockey League, Finish Liiga, and Slovak Extra League. He spent first ten seasons of his career as a player in Košice and last ten seasons in various European leagues; he terminated his flash hockey career in Hungary. He represented Czechoslovakia at the Ice Hockey World Championship of players up to 18 years in 1979 and 1980 and at the Ice Hockey World Championship of players up to 20 years in 1981 and 1982; he was also at the Ice Hockey World Championship in 1986 and 1989. He represented Czechoslovakia in 40 matches during which he shot 11 goals. In recent years he devoted himself intensively to Košice hockey youth, where - mainly as a coach of youth team, he passed on his immense experience to subsequent generations.

On behalf of the ice-hockey community, players, coaches, officials and employees of HC Košice, we express our deep condolences to the grieving family and loved ones.

Rest in peace, Vlado. We will never forget you!