Release from 30.01.2026

The entire Ice Hockey family mourns the passing of Dr. Karl Safron

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The ICE Hockey League and the entire international ice hockey family mourn the passing of Dr. Karl Safron, who died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 75. With his passing, the sport loses one of its most influential figures and a passionate architect who played a decisive role in shaping the development of the league and the game over several decades.

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Dr. Karl Safron was among the founders of what is now the ICE Hockey League and, from the very beginning, a driving force behind the multinational league project. With great vision, professional expertise, and tireless dedication, he supported and guided the league for many years in various roles.

From 2009 to 2013, Safron served as President of the league before remaining on the Executive Board as Vice President in the years that followed. In 2019, he once again assumed responsibility and led the league on an interim basis through a challenging period. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Karl Safron was appointed Honorary President of the win2day ICE Hockey League in 2024.

Beyond the league itself, Safron left a lasting mark on ice hockey through his long-standing commitment at club level, particularly with EC-KAC. His work was always driven by the ambition to further develop the sport, professionalize its structures, and strengthen it across generations.

With the passing of Dr. Karl Safron, international ice hockey loses a visionary, a bridge-builder, and a passionate advocate of the game. His name will remain inseparably linked with the history and identity of the ICE Hockey League.

League President Dr. Alexander Gruber and League Manager Christian Feichtinger, speaking on behalf of the Executive Board and the organization of the win2day ICE Hockey League, stated:

“Dr. Karl Safron was one of the most influential personalities in international ice hockey. As a co-founder, president, and long-serving member of the Executive Board, he led the ICE Hockey League with great responsibility, foresight, and integrity. His commitment to the sport and his deep connection to ice hockey will be remembered far beyond the league.”

The thoughts of the entire ice hockey family are with his family, loved ones, and all those who accompanied him on his journey during this difficult time.