Last Journey: Hockey Legend Mindaugas Kieras
Vilnius, Lithuania – Lithuania is mourning the loss of Mindaugas Kieras, a towering figure in national hockey, who died Saturday in a tragic accident.he was 45. Kieras, a former captain and coach of the Lithuanian national team, leaves behind a legacy spanning two decades of dedication to the sport. His wife, Jurgita, confirmed the news.
Kieras’s death has sent shockwaves through the Lithuanian sports community. He was the only player in the country’s history to participate in the World Championships for 20 consecutive years (1999-2018), amassing 100 appearances for the national team.He captained the team to a gold medal in the Division I gold group during his final match.
The Lithuanian Hockey Association has extended its deepest condolences to Kieras’s family and loved ones.
President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, also expressed his sorrow, stating that Lithuania has lost a “legendary athlete who gave 20 years to the national team.” He added,”Thanks to him,hockey is a popular and vital sport in Lithuania today.”
Nausėda further remarked, “We lost an athlete, coach, who was a symbol of his sport in Lithuania. M. kieras celebrated the Lithuanian hockey team even when no one believed it, stubbornly led her on the path of victories and medals until he finished the hockey’s career in the team’s match.” The President offered his condolences to kieras’s family, colleagues, and the entire Lithuanian hockey community.
Kieras was also a prominent figure within the Vilnius Hockey Punks club. His impact on Lithuanian hockey extends beyond his playing career, as he transitioned into coaching, continuing to inspire and develop the next generation of players.
