Austrian ice hockey mourns Franz Schilcher
It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Franz Schilcher, the 130-cap national team goalkeeper, who died unexpectedly on 17 December in his 81st year. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, companions and friends.
1 min read
The exceptional athlete represented Austria at a total of nine World Championships and two Olympic Games (1968 in Grenoble and 1976 in Innsbruck).
At club level, Franz Schilcher was the goalkeeper for ATSE Graz Eishockey from 1959 to 1978 and won the league title twice with the team – in 1975 and 1978. His further stops included Kapfenberger SV from 1978 to 1982, Grazer SV from 1983 to 1985, KAC in 1985/86, and ATSE Graz from 1986 to 1988, before playing one more season with UEC Graz alongside his son Markus.
Franz Schilcher had been a member of the tennis section of ATSE GRAZ since its foundation and remained active in sport until the very end. He pursued tennis with great passion, crowning his sporting achievements with numerous club championship titles in both singles and doubles. He also took part in several international senior tournaments and was, at one point, even world No. 11 in his age group.
Demonstrating his versatility as an athlete, he became Styrian fistball champion with ATSE GRAZ in 1965 and also played football for ESK Graz in the 60s.
The Austrian Ice Hockey Federation extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and relatives.
Franz Schilcher will be laid to rest on Friday, 5 January 2024 at 12:30 at St. Peter Stadtfriedhof in Graz.
