Ice hockey stalwart and rink manager dies at 64

TRIBUTES have been paid to former ice hockey star and Kirkcaldy Ice Rink manager Bob Korol, who has died in Saskatoon, Canada, aged 64.

Respected as a player and a coach, Mr Korol was also well known as manager of Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.

Born in Rosetown, Saskatoon, Mr Korol played most of his ice hockey in Continental leagues before being enticed to the UK to sign for Telford Tigers in 1988.

He also had stints with Basingstoke Beavers and later Birmingham Eagles before becoming manager at Kirkcaldy Ice Rink, home of Fife Flyers.

Mr Korol was quick to make improvements to the rink and enhanced the atmosphere for fans on match night.

During his time in Fife he became a match analyst for Sky Sports during its coverage of 1990s Super League games.

Mr Korol took on a role at the Wales National Ice Rink, home of the Cardiff Devils, and in 1991-92 he was appointed assistant coach to the GB team.

He took them to the 1993 World Championships in Eindhoven where they won promotion to the top flight of world ice hockey.

Mr Korol’s degree in commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, and later his MBA from Stirling University, led him to move to Rothes Halls, where he remained as manager for 15 years.

During his time in Fife he met his future wife Dawn and they had two children.

In 2008, they relocated back to Saskatchewan to be closer to family and Mr Korol took the position of CEO of TCU Place, a major convention and arts centre which hosts concerts and events.

Colleagues there said he was “one of the good guys” known for being “passionate for his community”.

Former Fife Flyers player Scott Fleming described Mr Korol as “an absolute gent”.

Mr Korol died earlier this week following a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife and their children Michael and Sophie.