Leszek Laszkiewicz: Polish Hockey Legend to Enter IIHF Hall of Fame
Leszek Laszkiewicz, a dominant force in Polish hockey for over two decades, will be inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame during the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The ceremonies will take place on May 24 (Contributors’ Awards) adn May 25 (IIHF Hall of Fame Induction) and will be streamed live on the IIHF’s youtube channel and IIHF.TV.
Laszkiewicz’s Illustrious Career
Laszkiewicz’s professional career spanned more than 20 years and included stints in four European countries. He participated in an astounding 18 Men’s World Championships, solidifying his legacy as one of Poland’s greatest hockey players.
Domestically,Laszkiewicz achieved remarkable success,winning eight Polish national championships. Five of those titles came with Cracovia (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013), where he played alongside his brother, Daniel. He also secured three championships with Unia Oswiecim (2001, 2002, 2004). Over 17 seasons in the Polish league, he surpassed 1,000 points, becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer.He also won a title and the Italian Cup in his season with HC Milano Vipers in 2004-05.
Early Career and International Play
Born in Jastrzebie-Zdroj, Laszkiewicz first gained prominence at the 1996 European U18 Championship, where he led the tournament in scoring.This performance attracted the attention of the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in the German league, where he played from 1997 to 1999.
Laszkiewicz’s international career began at the 1997 World Juniors top division—the last time Poland played at that level. he went on to represent Poland at the senior level, debuting at the 1998 Men’s World Championship (B Pool), playing alongside Mariusz Czerkawski and Jacek Plachta.
Key Moments and Leadership
A defining moment in Laszkiewicz’s career came at the 2001 Men’s World championship, where Poland finished first in Division I-A under coach Wiktor Psyz, earning promotion to the top division for the first time in a decade.Laszkiewicz continued to represent his country through 2015, when he retired from the national team. He played 216 games for Poland, captaining the team for four years (2008-2011). His 96 World Championship games rank second all-time for Poland, behind only Henryk Gruth.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring as a player, Laszkiewicz transitioned into management, becoming the general manager of his hometown team, JKH GKS Jastrzebie, and the Polish national team. In 2024, his leadership saw Poland return to the top level of the Men’s World Championship for the first time since 2002, when he was a player.
Beyond playing, what role did Laszkiewicz take on after retiring as a player, and what significant achievement did he accomplish in that role for the Polish national team?
Leszek Laszkiewicz: Polish Hockey Legend to Enter IIHF Hall of Fame
Leszek Laszkiewicz, a dominant force in Polish hockey for over two decades, will be inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame during the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey world Championship. The ceremonies will take place on May 24 (Contributors’ Awards) adn May 25 (IIHF Hall of Fame Induction) and will be streamed live on the IIHF’s youtube channel and IIHF.TV.
Laszkiewicz’s Illustrious career
Laszkiewicz’s professional career spanned more than 20 years and included stints in four European countries. he participated in an astounding 18 Men’s World Championships, solidifying his legacy as one of Poland’s greatest hockey players.
Domestically,Laszkiewicz achieved remarkable success,winning eight Polish national championships. Five of those titles came with Cracovia (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013), where he played alongside his brother, Daniel. He also secured three championships with Unia Oswiecim (2001, 2002, 2004). Over 17 seasons in the Polish league,he surpassed 1,000 points,becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer.He also won a title and the Italian Cup in his season with HC milano Vipers in 2004-05.
Early Career and International Play
Born in Jastrzebie-Zdroj, Laszkiewicz first gained prominence at the 1996 European U18 Championship, where he led the tournament in scoring.This performance attracted the attention of the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in the German league, where he played from 1997 to 1999.
Laszkiewicz’s international career began at the 1997 World Juniors top division—the last time Poland played at that level. he went on to represent Poland at the senior level, debuting at the 1998 Men’s World Championship (B Pool), playing alongside Mariusz czerkawski and Jacek Plachta.
Key Moments and Leadership
A defining moment in Laszkiewicz’s career came at the 2001 Men’s World championship, where Poland finished first in Division I-A under coach Wiktor Psyz, earning promotion to the top division for the first time in a decade.Laszkiewicz continued to represent his country through 2015,when he retired from the national team. He played 216 games for Poland, captaining the team for four years (2008-2011). His 96 World Championship games rank second all-time for Poland, behind only Henryk gruth.
Post-Playing Career
after retiring as a player, Laszkiewicz transitioned into management, becoming the general manager of his hometown team, JKH GKS jastrzebie, and the Polish national team. In 2024, his leadership saw Poland return to the top level of the Men’s World championship for the first time since 2002, when he was a player.
Q&A: Leszek Laszkiewicz and Polish Hockey
Q: When and where will the IIHF Hall of Fame induction ceremony take place?
A: The ceremony will be on May 25,2025,during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. Keep an eye on the IIHF’s YouTube channel and IIHF.TV for live streaming details!
Q: How many championships did Laszkiewicz win in Poland?
A: He won a total of eight Polish national championships, a testament to his dominance in the Polish hockey league.
Q: What other teams did Laszkiewicz play for besides Cracovia and Unia Oswiecim?
A: He also played for HC Milano Vipers in Italy, winning a league title and the Italian Cup in the 2004-05 season.
Q: What is the significance of 2024 for Laszkiewicz?
A: In 2024,Laszkiewicz,as the general manager,led the Polish national team back to the top level of the Men’s World Championship,a remarkable achievement.
Q: How many games did Laszkiewicz play for the Polish national team?
A: He played 216 games for Poland, demonstrating incredible dedication and service to his country.
Q: Who is the all-time leading scorer in the Polish hockey league?
A: Leszek Laszkiewicz holds the record, having surpassed 1,000 points during his 17 seasons in the Polish league.
Q: Where can I watch Leszek Laszkiewicz’s Hall of Fame induction?
A: You can watch the ceremony live on the IIHF’s YouTube channel and IIHF.TV. Don’t miss the chance to witness this historic moment for Polish hockey!
Q: What were the dates for the contributors award?
A: the contributors award was on May 24, 2025.
Celebrate Leszek Laszkiewicz’s outstanding career and his well-deserved induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame by watching the ceremony. It’s a party of Polish hockey history!
