Czech Ball Hockey Legends inducted into the ISBHF Hall of Fame

Jiří Christ is among the most prominent figures in Czech youth ball hockey. As a coach, he led the U20 national team to a silver medal at the World Championship in Martin in 2004, and two years later to bronze in Aosta, Italy. He continued his work with younger age groups – coaching the U16 team to valuable bronze medals in both 2018 and 2019. Outside the national team scene, he coached Extraliga teams SHC Opava and SK Hokejbal Letohrad. For a quarter of a century, he has been dedicated to developing ball hockey in Opava, where he serves as a coach, official, and inspiring mentor for younger generations.

Petr Novák has gone down in ball hockey history as one of the best players of his generation. A two-time world champion (2009 and 2011), he will likely always be remembered as the scorer of the decisive overtime goal in the final against India at the Plzeň championship. Moreover, as captain, he had led the junior team to a world title in Champéry, Switzerland, seven years earlier. In 2009, he was named Player of the Year by the ISBHF. He was a key figure not only on the field but also in the locker room, where his attitude and commitment drove the team to exceptional performances.

Another new Hall of Fame member hails from Hradec Králové – referee Petr Štípek. His name is associated with the biggest events in ball hockey. He officiated at the Junior World Championship in 2006, the Men’s and Women’s World Championships in 2009, and the Masters Tournament in 2022. He was respected both in the Czech Republic and abroad, as evidenced by his multiple appointments to officiate Extraliga finals and club cup finals. From 2007 to 2009, he was named the best referee in the Czech Republic three times. His expertise and knowledge also benefited the sport through his role as chairman of the ČMSHb Referee Committee.

Aleš Horský from Třebíč also became a symbol of refereeing excellence. His greatest achievements include officiating at the Men’s and Women’s World Championships in Plzeň (2009) and Pardubice (2017), as well as numerous junior and masters championships, including prestigious Masters tournaments in the USA and Europe. In addition, he served as a referee in European and World Club Cups and was repeatedly assigned to final matches not only in the Czech but also in the Slovak Extraliga. His professional approach and ability to manage even the most challenging games have made him a respected figure across the entire ball hockey community.

New inductees into the ISBHF Hall of Fame from left to right: Petr Štípek, Petr Novák, Jiří Christ, Aleš Horský. Photo: Vojtěch Zajíc