As reported by SME, former Slovakian national team forward Miroslav Hlinka, a member of the stalwart team that shocked the world with a Gold Medal performance at the 2002 World Championships, has died of suicide at the age of 42.

Hlinka also collected a silver medal from the 2000 Worlds and a bronze at the 2003 Championships, and was a member of Slovakia’s squad at the 2004 World Cup Of Hockey. Hlinka won the IHLC at both the 2000 and 2002 World Championships, part of Slovakia’s early IHLC wins following their split from Czechia. Miroslav was also the cousin of Czech forward and ex-NHLer Jaroslav Hlinka.

Our condolences go out to the Hlinka family, as well as the Slovak hockey community, stunned by the tragic loss of a team member, friend, husband and father.

Photo Credit: Celebritynet.cz – IIHF – HHOF – IOC