IIHF Hall Of Fame Induction 2024
Markus GRAF (SUI)
Johan Bollue Award
Born Biel, Switzerland, July 24, 1959
photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Matt Zambonin
Like many, Markus Graf has dedicated his life to hockey. But like so very few, the reach and scope of his work has been influential across the international hockey community.
He grew up in Switzerland, played hoclkey, and developed into a fine teenage prospect. He was named to his country’s U20 team for the 1978 World Junior Championship in Canada, after which he enjoyed a lengthy playing career in the Swiss league, first in the top division and later at the lower levels.
Graf became a head coach with Rheinfelden in Division 3 in 1992, but after about a decade he transitioned to grassroots level hockey, becoming the Director of Youth Sports and Development for the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. It was here that he discovered his true milieu, working with young players to help them reach their true potential, be it at the professional level or local level.
He emphasized the concept of “hockey is more” meaning that there is more to life than hockey, and that hockey can help develop many skills and traits to be used away from the ice. Graf created a FTEM program (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery) which the Swiss federation adopted as its mantra, and he was also part of the IIHF’s Development & Coaching Committee for eight years.
He later created the guidelines for “SWISSMADEHOCKEY” to train junior-aged players in his country, and his “Umbrella” program called for more local and regional support of players. During Covid-19, Graf developed virtual programs to allow coaches and players to continue to learn, despite the lack of in-person opportunities.
But perhaps what separates Graf the most is that he not only develops these programs, he implements them. He has a vision, understands how to put it to paper and communicate it to others, and then sets about to turn the words into actions. His ideas produce quantifiable results.
Humble and hard-working, innovative and energetic, there is no more fitting first recipient for the new John Bollue Award than Markus Graf.
He grew up in Switzerland, played hoclkey, and developed into a fine teenage prospect. He was named to his country’s U20 team for the 1978 World Junior Championship in Canada, after which he enjoyed a lengthy playing career in the Swiss league, first in the top division and later at the lower levels.
Graf became a head coach with Rheinfelden in Division 3 in 1992, but after about a decade he transitioned to grassroots level hockey, becoming the Director of Youth Sports and Development for the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. It was here that he discovered his true milieu, working with young players to help them reach their true potential, be it at the professional level or local level.
He emphasized the concept of “hockey is more” meaning that there is more to life than hockey, and that hockey can help develop many skills and traits to be used away from the ice. Graf created a FTEM program (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery) which the Swiss federation adopted as its mantra, and he was also part of the IIHF’s Development & Coaching Committee for eight years.
He later created the guidelines for “SWISSMADEHOCKEY” to train junior-aged players in his country, and his “Umbrella” program called for more local and regional support of players. During Covid-19, Graf developed virtual programs to allow coaches and players to continue to learn, despite the lack of in-person opportunities.
But perhaps what separates Graf the most is that he not only develops these programs, he implements them. He has a vision, understands how to put it to paper and communicate it to others, and then sets about to turn the words into actions. His ideas produce quantifiable results.
Humble and hard-working, innovative and energetic, there is no more fitting first recipient for the new John Bollue Award than Markus Graf.
The Johan Bollue Award was established in 2023 and is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to youth hockey development resulting in long-term growth of the game. The Johan Bollue Award was established in 2023 and is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to youth hockey development resulting in long-term growth of the game. Johan Bollue was the director of Sports Development for the Royal Belgian Ice Hockey Federation and an integral part of the IIHF’s hockey development programs. He did suddenly on October 28, 2021, age 57, and an award in his name was introduced with his qualities on and off the ice in mind.
photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation