Karl Friesen

Karl Friesen (* June 30, 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ) is a retired German - Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He was regarded as a bad figure skating runner who took a passive role goalie, that is, the stoically remained on the line without the game engaging. Another peculiarity was his peace-loving nature, which expressed itself in the game that he shamed left the ice at brawls. Against him a few time penalties were imposed.

Career

Raised in Canada, he moved from the St. Boniface Mohawks (SAL ) in the Hockey league for season 1980/81 to SB DJK Rosenheim, with the team in 1982 the German Championship title.

After receiving an offer from the New Jersey Devils for the National Hockey League ( NHL), he joined in the summer of 1985, after the 2nd German Championship with Rosenheim, to North America, where it only when the Maine Mariners in the American Hockey League ( AHL), and then with the New jersey Devils was used - but never really took root because of its passivity and conflict avoidance in fast-paced and rough play mode.

During the season 1986/87 he moved back to SB DJK Rosenheim in the Hockey League, where he guarded the gate to the season 1991/92 and 1989 its 3rd German Championship title.

In the summer of 1992 he moved from Rosenheim to Munich for the EC Hedos, with the team he made his 4th German Championship title in 1994. With the introduction of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) in the summer of 1994, he remained in Munich with the Maddog Munich to play mode setting in December 1994, where he played two games in the European Cup. For the 1995/96 season he returned to the Rosenheim Star Bulls Rosenheim to where he ended his active career because of back problems.

After his career end Friesen worked as sports director of Bietigheim Steelers as well as coach of the University of Manitoba.

Internationally

During his career in the German national team, he participated in the World Championships of 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989 and participated in the Olympic Winter Games of 1984, 1988 and 1992.

Awards and achievements

Private

Friesen is a member of the Mennonites, a religious community, whose namesake Menno Simons originates from Friesland, the region of origin of his parents emigrated to Winnipeg. In addition to his sports career, he was also a lay preacher. With his wife Judy he has two children.