Slovak Ice Hockey Hall of Fame
The Slovak Ice Hockey Hall of Fame (Slovak: Sien slávy slovenského ladového hokeja) honors the contributions that individuals have made to the ice hockey sport in Slovakia.
It was opened on November 30, 2002, in year when Slovak national team won the IIHF World Championships gold medal.
The Hall of Fame found its home in reconstructed Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Visitor can see here on public display showcases with all most significant trophies (including World Cup with Gold medal from famous Championship 2002).
Other interesting exponates are jerseys of slovak ice hockey legends, many various parts of their outfit and game equipment (helmets, gloves, sticks, pucks, .. ) and most importantly, the list of hockey players, belonging to Hall of Fame so far.
Current members of Slovak Ice Hockey Hall of Fame
Since 2002: Ladislav Troják, Stan Mikita, Michal Polóni, Ladislav Horský, Ján Starší, George Gross, Vladimír Dzurilla, Jozef Golonka, Václav Nedomanský, Peter Štastný (stepped out in 2009)
Since 2003: Rastislav Jancuška, Vojtech Okolicány, Miroslav Cervenka, Ján Jendek
Since 2004: František Gregor, Karol Fako, Vincent Lukác, Milan Kužela
Since 2005: Jaroslav Walter, Igor Liba
Since 2006: Rudolf Tajcnár
Since 2007: Dušan Pašek
Since 2008: Dušan Faško
Since 2009: Dárius Rusnák
Since 2011: Ján Mitošinka, Július Haas, Róbert Švehla
Since 2012: Pavol Demitra
Since 2014: Zdeno Cíger
The Ondrej Nepela Arena
The oldest sprayed ice rink in Bratislava was put into operation in 1871.
The first Bratislava skating rink with artificial ice on was introduced into operation before Christmas 1940, the first official hockey match took place there on December 21, 1940.
Ice ring was still not covered and sector boundaries offered only 300 seats for the public audience.
First bleachers were added in 1948-49, increasing capacity to 11,000 spectators.
In 1958, ice ring was roofed for European Figure Skating Championships.
Another substantial renovation of stadium was completed between 1990 and 1992, when Bratislava (together with Prague) organized World Championship.
The latest, complex reconstruction of the stadium was completed in 2011 for ice hockey World Championship.
By 2008, the capacity of the hall was 8,350 spectators. After renovation it is 10,000 seats, including Sky boxes and Sky Lounge.
Sources: wikipedia, hockeyslovakia.sk, own visit and pictures at the site