Rudi Hiti is a legend in Yugoslav and Slovenian hockey, standing out as the top player until Anže Kopitar hit the scene. Even though he played a lot in the B-pools at the IIHF World Championships, his amazing skills got him noticed by the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, who invited him over in 1970. But luck wasn’t on his side; he broke his jaw in his first NHL exhibition game. After the injury, Hiti returned home, but soon after, he received a new 3-year contract offer from the Los Angeles Sharks. Despite this enticing opportunity to join the NHL, Hiti decided not to accept it. Instead, he chose to stay with Olimpija, having received a better offer from the club in his home country. This decision exemplifies Hiti’s loyalty and his significant role in the development of hockey in Slovenia.
Hiti didn’t just play for his country in 17 IIHF World Championships and two Olympics (Grenoble ’68 and Sapporo ’72); he killed it, earning a spot on the World Championship All-Star Team four times. His club hockey days were spent with teams like HK Kranjska Gora, HK Jesenice, and HK Olimpija Ljubljana, and he later took his talents to Italy, playing for HC Alleghe and HC Bolzano. He won four national championships in Slovenia/Yugoslavia and three in Italy.
After hanging up his skates, Hiti moved behind the bench to coach the Slovenian national team from 1991 to 2000, showing he was just as sharp a coach as he was a player.
But that’s not all. Rudi Hiti was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame by the IIHF in 2009, a huge honor. And back home in Slovenia, he received the highest sports accolade – the Bloudek Award – for his outstanding contribution to the development of Slovenian sports. Rudi Hiti’s name is synonymous with hockey excellence, and his legacy is a playbook for future generations.
We’re thrilled to share with you the remarkable journey of Gorazd Hiti, a luminary in the world of hockey, whose career and contributions have left an indelible mark. Starting his hockey journey at 14 with HK Jesenice, Gorazd quickly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his talent early on by joining the senior team of HK Kranjska Gora at just 15 and moving to play alongside his brother Rudi at HK Jesenice by 19.
Gorazd’s adventure took a riveting turn at 22 when he joined Olimpija, HK Jesenice’s fiercest rival, for a season that preluded his significant tenure in Italian hockey with Bolzano – a move that saw both Hiti brothers profoundly influencing Italian hockey as players and later as influential coaches for over two decades.
On the international stage, Gorazd, alongside Rudi, contributed to one of Yugoslav hockey’s golden eras. Gorazd’s remarkable play at the World Championships, particularly in 1974 in Ljubljana where he earned All Stars team selection and topped scoring charts, and the historic 1973 match against the USA, underline a career replete with achievements, including participation in three Olympics.
After hanging up his skates, Gorazd dedicated himself to nurturing future talents, leading HK Sportina Bled, guiding national youth teams, and, alongside Rudi, conducting successful international hockey camps.
Gorazd’s legacy is a testament to passion, resilience, and the enduring impact of mentorship in sports. His journey from a young hopeful to a revered figure in hockey is a source of inspiration for all of us.
