Eurolanche

Uwe Krupp to coach in Prague

Former Avalanche player and scorer of the 1996 Stanley Cup-winning goal, Colorado’s first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history, is moving to the Czech Republic. Uwe Krupp was officially announced as the new head coach of HC Sparta Prague. Krupp spent the past seven seasons in his native Germany, where he coached the Kölner Haie (Cologne Sharks) and Eisbären Berlin of the DEL. Berlin made the finals of the DEL playoffs just several days ago, falling to EHC Red Bull Munich in seven games.

Founded in 1903, HC Sparta Prague, one of the two traditional hockey teams playing in the Czech capital, is one of the oldest teams in the country. They’ve won eight league titles and two Sprengler Cups. The team plays in the most modern hockey arena in the Czech Republic with a capacity of more than 17.000 seats.

Krupp appeared in 810 career NHL games for Buffalo, the NY Islanders, Quebec, Colorado, Detroit and Atlanta, which was his last stop in the NHL. He won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche and Red Wings. Following his playing days, he coached the German national team at five World Championships and two Olympics.

Several former Avs have played for Sparta Prague in the past, like David Koci, Martin Rucinsky and David Svagrovsky (only drafted by Colorado). Three player with ties to the Avalanche are currently part of Sparta’s roster – former Avs forward Jaroslav Hlinka and goalie Sami Aittokalio, as well as goalie Petr Kvaca, who is still part of the Avalanche organization.

Last year, the Eurolanche Fan Club met with Krupp in Berlin. Eurolanche covered the meeting via social media and the Fan Club’s official website. Furthermore, Eurolanche also published an interview with Krupp conducted during the meeting, which is available here. During the meeting, Krupp said that he would be glad to accept a job with Colorado. “Sure, I still follow what’s happening in Colorado and it would be an honor if I’d get a phone call asking for help in any way. As I’ve already said, it’s something that’s really tough to predict. My heart’s still over there, so if anyone would ask for my help, I’d be really honored and I’d do everything for it.”

The Eurolanche Fan Club will probably meet with Uwe Krupp and several other former Avs currently playing for Spart Prague during the coming months. The meeting will only be available to members of the Yeti Ultras group. More information about the group and how to join it is available at this link.

Original story: David Puchovsky

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Interview and meeting with Uwe Krupp

The Eurolanche Fan Club traveled to Germany to meet with a legendary Avalanche player.