Walter Znenahlik – a legend turns 90!
Walter Znenahlik celebrated his 90th birthday on 2 January. On 6 January, he will become the first inductee into the Vienna Hall of Fame during the ÖEL game WEV vs. ATSE Graz.
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He played without a helmet and, even at 49, when Stadlau were short of players, he still had not had enough. Walter Znenahlik learned to skate at Engelmann in Vienna-Hernals. Karl Schäfer, a multiple Olympic, World and European champion in figure skating, is regarded as his mentor. However, as “Znene” had little feel for rhythm and music but possessed talent and jumping ability, Schäfer sent him into ice hockey.
Walter Znenahlik was already playing for WEG at 16 and won the championship. As a player, he won the championship twice more with EKE and also played for Kitzbühel, WEV, Feldkirch, Stadlau, Salzburg and Mödling. As a coach, he stood behind the bench at WEV, Stadlau, Lustenau, Mödling, Graz, Kapfenberg and Fischerbräu.
He also took to the ice for the national team countless times and competed in two Olympic Games – 1956 and 1964.
The birthday celebrant will be honoured for his services on Epiphany. During the ÖEL game WEV vs. ATSE Graz, he will be announced as the club’s first Hall of Famer and a banner will be raised. Former companions such as Gerhard Hausner, Herbert Haiszan and many more will also be in attendance. ÖEHV Vice-President Nicolas Stockhammer and spusu Vienna Capitals Managing Director Lukas Garhofer will also be there.
The ice hockey classic between WEV and ATSE Graz, which once caused a sensation in the Bundesliga, will be hosted by ORF legend Michael Berger.
The Austrian Ice Hockey Federation warmly congratulates Walter Znenahlik on his anniversary!
