BAD TOLZ, Germany – German ice hockey legend Lorenz Funk passed away early Friday morning in his hometown of Bad Tolz at the age of 70. He lost his battle against prostate cancer.

Funk, who was usually called by his nickname Lenz, represented West Germany in 225 international games including three Olympic Winter Games (1968, 1972, 1976) and 13 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships between 1966 and 1979 including eight in the top division.

Playing with the number 9, he was part of the team that won the Olympic bronze medal in Innsbruck 1976. He contributed two goals and even points in five games at the tournament.

In domestic play he won three national championships, 1966 with his hometown team Bad Tolz and two with Berliner SC (1974, 1976). Later he worked as coach and manager at different clubs including Bad Tolz, Eisbaren Berlin and Preussen Berlin.

His two sons Lorenz Funk Jr and Florian Funk also played top-level hockey in Germany.

MARTIN MERK