Coaching legend Berek passes away

Miroslav Berek made a name for himself in Graz around the turn of the millennium when he guided the Graz99ers from the Nationalliga to the Bundesliga in their debut season.

The Czech coach’s career took him to Kapfenberg, Feldkirch, Graz and Innsbruck, as well as to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. In Austria, Berek coached various national teams for the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation.

Berek dedicated his life to ice hockey, although he initially also cut a fine figure in Czech football. At the age of 40, Berek ended his professional ice hockey career and passed on his knowledge as a coach to younger generations; he held a valid coaching licence well into old age. His life motto remained the same, both as a player and as a coach: "Train hard, train honestly!"