Vlastimil Bubnik

Vlastimil Bubnik was a two sport star. Not only is he a legend of Czech hockey, but he was also an excellent footballer. He represented the former Czechoslovakia in international soccer matches, including at the 1958 World Cup and the 1960 European championships.

But hockey was his main arena. In the 1960s he was one of the top players internationally. The IIHF Hall of Famer scored 121 goals in 127 international matches, winning 3 World Championship medals (2 silver and 1 bronze) and an Olympic bronze medal (in 1964). When he retired he was was the highest scoring player in hockey history at the Olympics.

Bubnik had quite the career at home, too, of course. The long time HC Kometa Brno captain led the way with 306 goals in 287 Czech Extraliga Games. In 12 seasons he helped Brno win 11 national championships!

Bubnik, who ended his career with 2 seasons in the city of Ostrava before 3 final seasons in Austria, was described as speedy forward whose trademark was his craftiness. He had a whole arsenal of tricks up his sleeve, leaving opposing goaltenders and defense with no idea what to expect on each rush.