Czech ice hockey hall of famer Jan Suchý dies, age 76

Legendary ice hockey defender Jan Suchý, a member of Czech and international halls of fame, has died at the age of 76.

Suchý was twice named best defenceman at the Ice Hockey World Championships (in 1969 and 1971), held a record for most goals scored by a defender, and was the first European to be placed on an NHL protected list (by the Boston Bruins).

Early in his career, Suchý played for Dukla Jihlava (1963 to 1979), helping the club win seven national titles, and was on the Czechoslovak team that won a silver at the 1968 Olympic Games. He won the first two Golden Hockey Stick awards as Czechoslovakia’s best player (1969, 1970).