Position: Coach
Groups: Coach,
Biography:Vytautas was born and raised in Elektrenai, Lithuania.With the local ice rink across the road, it was only natural that he learned to skate and play hockey at the young age of 3. He played for Energia, the local, and also played for Vilnius for a few seasons when he moved there for employment. Vytautas has represented Lithuania on the international team competing in U20 and progressing to the senior team. He has won many medals and tournaments in Division 1, but his biggest achievement was winning gold in the world championships in 2004.
Vytautas moved to Ireland in September 2004. He resumed playing ice hockey in late 2006 in Dundalk. He played for the Dundalk Bulls and the Latvian Hawks until 2010, when the Dundalk ice dome was shut down. He turned to inline hockey, playing with the Armagh Stars, Dundalk Warriors, and he is currently playing with the Longford Hawks.
Since arriving in Ireland, Vytautas has been very involved in the development of Irish hockey. He has coached many local teams in Dundalk, and he was the coach of the first ever ladies ice hockey team in Ireland, whom he lead to many successful tournaments and competitions. He was also the head coach of the Irish women’s International team, and coached the national women’s inline hockey program.
Vytautas also has the role of head referee in Ireland, and he trains other aspiring officials. Last year, the IIHF (international ice hockey federation) choose Vytautas as linesman of the world championship in Luxembourg, and he is currently training to referee this years world championships in South Africa.
Vytautas was approached in 2012 to train the newly reformed inline hockey team in UCC, and he has brought us from strength to strength. He has many plans for this up and coming club, including possible trips to tournaments and training camps, as well as possible entry into the Irish league.
