Roland Stoltz

Sweden has produced some amazing defensemen over the years - from Borje Salming to Nicklas Lidstrom. 
One name NHL fans likely will not recognize as another great Swedish defender is that of Roland Stoltz. 

The 6'2" 190lb native of Stockholm paired with Lasse Bjorn on the blue line to give Sweden a world class tandem in the late 1950s and much of the 1960s. They dominated the Swedish Elite League with Djurgarden for the better part of both decades, leading the team to 9 Swedish championships. Stoltz was even named the player of the year in 1959.

The duo also formed the foundation of the national team, twice becoming World Champions - once in 1957 and again in 1962. Stoltz played in 199 international games but was at his best at the 1963 World Championships in Stockholm. Stoltz was named the tournament's best defenseman and helped Sweden win the silver medal. 

Stoltz would also lead Sweden to a silver medal at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria.

Stoltz became a popular hockey broadcaster on Swedish television after his career as a player was over.

Roland Stoltz's career was recognized in 1999 by the IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame.