Eduard Novák

A right winger with a renowned quick release on his shot, Eduard Novák played for over 20 seasons in club hockey with multiple teams. In Czechoslovakia he started his career in 1963 with TJ Poldi SONP Kladno, and after playing one season each with Dukla Košice and IHC Pisek, he returned to Kladno playing with them through 1980, helping them win five Czech League titles in 1975-78 and 1980. He then moved around a bit, playing with TJ Gottwaldov in 1980-81 before moving to Austria to play one season with Klagenfurter AC. Novák then spent two years in Japan with Furukawa Denko, before finishing his career in Germany with Duisburger SC in 1984-85.

For the national team, Novák competed at the 1972 and 1976 Winter Olympics, winning silver in 1976 and bronze in 1972. He played at four World Championships, winning medals each time, with golds in 1972, 1976 and 1977, and a silver in 1975. After his playing retirement, Novák became a coach, leading Kladno from 1986-89, 1991-92, and 1999-2001. He also coached TJ Gottwaldov, Zlin (1989-91 and 1996-98), and in Bohemia (1992-93).