St. Michael-Albertville Hockey Coach Dies After Falling On Ice

ST. MICHAEL, MN — The Minnesota hockey community is mourning the loss of a longtime coach who died after falling on the ice. Harv Graczyk, 67, coached youth hockey for more than three decades.

Graczyk suffered a traumatic brain injury when his head hit the ice last month. He was hospitalized but died Saturday, his family confirmed.

"If there is a test for Angelhood, he surely aced it and is in good hands now," reads a GoFundMe page raising money for funeral expenses.

"Heaven is lucky to have such a kind, supportive and generous man."

Graczyk graduated from Osseo High School in 1969, according to the Star Tribune.

"Minnesota Hockey is deeply saddened by the news of Harold “Harv” Graczyk’s passing," Minnesota Hockey said in a statement.

"He was a beloved member of the Minnesota hockey community for more than 45 years as a coach in St. Michael-Albertville, Osseo-Maple Grove and as an arena manager in Osseo. He was well known for his willingness to help anyone at any time, both at the rink or away from it. He loved working with kids on the ice and off the ice to make them better hockey players and better people. Minnesota Hockey is deeply saddened by the loss of Harv and sends its sincere condolences to his St. Michael-Albertville Peewee team, the St. Michael-Albertville hockey community and most importantly, to Harv’s family and friends."

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