The international ice hockey community has lost one of its most dedicated leaders. Lars G Karlsson has passed away at the age of 73 following an illness.
Over several decades, Karlsson devoted his life to the development of ice hockey, making a lasting contribution in Sweden and internationally. His journey began in Vendelsö and continued through leadership roles within the Stockholm Ice Hockey Association and the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, where he served as Secretary General and Head of Competitions. In recognition of his service, he was appointed an Honorary Board Member of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.
His influence extended across many areas of the sport, from developing educational materials for coaches and clubs to strengthening competition operations and supporting major international events hosted in Sweden.
Among his most significant contributions was his commitment to women’s and girls’ ice hockey. At a time when opportunities for girls to play were far more limited, Karlsson worked tirelessly to open doors and strengthen the Swedish women’s national team program. As its long-serving Team Manager, he helped lay the foundations for Sweden’s success on the international stage, including the historic silver medal at the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
“Lars G Karlsson dedicated his life to helping ice hockey grow, and our sport is stronger because of his commitment,” said IIHF President Franz Reindl. “His tireless work for women’s and girls’ hockey helped create opportunities for generations of players. He understood that developing our game starts with giving people the chance to be part of it. On behalf of the IIHF and the international ice hockey family, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Karlsson leaves a legacy that lives on through the players, coaches and leaders he supported, and through the opportunities he helped create for future generations.
The IIHF joins the Swedish ice hockey community in mourning his passing and honoring his enduring contribution to the game.
Over several decades, Karlsson devoted his life to the development of ice hockey, making a lasting contribution in Sweden and internationally. His journey began in Vendelsö and continued through leadership roles within the Stockholm Ice Hockey Association and the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, where he served as Secretary General and Head of Competitions. In recognition of his service, he was appointed an Honorary Board Member of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.
His influence extended across many areas of the sport, from developing educational materials for coaches and clubs to strengthening competition operations and supporting major international events hosted in Sweden.
Among his most significant contributions was his commitment to women’s and girls’ ice hockey. At a time when opportunities for girls to play were far more limited, Karlsson worked tirelessly to open doors and strengthen the Swedish women’s national team program. As its long-serving Team Manager, he helped lay the foundations for Sweden’s success on the international stage, including the historic silver medal at the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
“Lars G Karlsson dedicated his life to helping ice hockey grow, and our sport is stronger because of his commitment,” said IIHF President Franz Reindl. “His tireless work for women’s and girls’ hockey helped create opportunities for generations of players. He understood that developing our game starts with giving people the chance to be part of it. On behalf of the IIHF and the international ice hockey family, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Karlsson leaves a legacy that lives on through the players, coaches and leaders he supported, and through the opportunities he helped create for future generations.
The IIHF joins the Swedish ice hockey community in mourning his passing and honoring his enduring contribution to the game.