Eishockey Forum - Lucio Topatigh erhält Richard “Bibi” Torriaini Award

[Zitat] RICHARD “BIBI” TORRIANI AWARD
(for outstanding careers by players from non-top hockey nations)

Lucio Topatigh (ITA)

Born: Gallio, Italy, 19 October 1965

Although Lucio Topatigh was not destined to play on a top team that could win medals with regularity in international play, he was blessed with a long-time commitment to and love for the game that made his career to Italian hockey like Gordie Howe’s was to the NHL. Indeed, Topatigh played some 23 seasons in Serie A and more than 1,000 games, incomparable and unmatched numbers. On the international scene, he played some 18 IIHF tournaments, 14 in the top level and four in World Championship B Pool.

His dedication to his national team is unique, making him the ideal candidate to be given the inaugural Richard “Bibi” Torriaini Award for contributions to his national team at IIHF competition. Topatigh first wore the Azzurri colours in 1983 at the European U18 Championship B Pool, at age 17. Three years later he made his senior debut, again in the B Pool, and he played for the Azzurri for the last time at his own Olympics in Turin 2006 at age 40.

That last appearance on home ice at the Olympics was made possible by coach Mickey Goulet. Although Topatigh hadn’t played for the national team for four years, and was working as a baker while playing league hockey with Asiago, Goulet knew how special the tournament would be for the player and how, in turn, Topatigh’s enthusiasm would rub off on his teammates.

Known as “Il falco di Gallio” (the Hawk of Gallio), Topatigh was a rugged right winger and a top scorer in both the Serie A and among his teammates internationally. And although Italy never won a medal at the top level of international hockey, it managed to stay in the top pool for eleven straight years during the prime of Topatigh’s career (1992-2002). He played on ten of those teams before finishing his career in the domestic league.

In all, he played his last nine seasons of pro with Asiago, retiring in 2008. He won the Italian Championship four times, all with Bolzano, in 1988, 1990, 1997, and 1998. By the time he retired for good at age 43, his place as perhaps the finest Italian hockey player of all time was solidified.