Austrian Ice Hockey Asso­ci­a­tion mourns Josef ‘Sepp’ Puschnig

The Austrian Ice Hockey Association (ÖEHV) is mourning one of the greatest names in Austrian ice hockey. Josef ‘Sepp’ Puschnig passed away on Sunday in his 80th year.

Alongside his historic achievements as a regular and leading player for EC-KAC in the 1960s and 1970s, the ‘Karawankenbär’ (‘Karawanken Bear’), as Puschnig was affectionately known by the Klagenfurt fans, also played a defining role for the national team.

Puschnig represented the ÖEHV national team at three Olympic Winter Games and eleven World Championships in Groups B and C. The legendary forward recorded 50 goals and 55 assists in 123 international appearances.

In 1999, Puschnig became the first Austrian player to be inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame. In 2012, on the centenary of the Austrian Ice Hockey Association, the ÖEHV named him its Player of the Century.

Dr Klaus Hartmann (ÖEHV President): ‘The Austrian Ice Hockey Association is mourning an undisputed ice hockey legend. Josef “Sepp” Puschnig, known as the “Karawankenbär”, was the great ambassador for Carinthian ice hockey in Austria. His induction into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame—as the first Austrian player in history—was particularly outstanding. Our sincere condolences and sympathies at this difficult time go to Josef Puschnig’s entire family, especially his wife Margit, his sister Erika, his son Andreas and his grandson Julian.’