The Austrian ice hockey official Dr. Hans Dobida passed away a few days ago at the age of 95.
After his active career as an ice hockey player and handball player, Dr. Hans Dobida was involved in international ice hockey in a variety of roles. He initially worked for his hometown club Graz, and in 1962 he took on his first association role as Vice President of the Austrian Ice Hockey Association.
From 1977 to 1996, he led the ÖEHV as president for almost two decades. In addition, he was involved in the IIHF Council for over twenty years and was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame and made an IIHF Life Member due to his great achievements. He was also honored with Hall of Fame induction in Germany and Slovakia.
During his long career as an official, Hans Dobida was active in the organizing committees of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Games in Innsbruck, among others. He also played a leading role in organizing four A World Championship tournaments. Until a few years ago, Dobida served as chairman of a total of 50 World Championships and IIHF tournaments.
Our thoughts are with his family and other relatives.