Henryk Gruth

Henryk Gruth (b. September 2 1957 in Ruda Śląska, Śląskie, Poland) is a former professional defenceman.

One of the best Polish players, Gruth played for GKS Katowice and GKS Tychy in Poland. He spent one season in Switzerland with the ZSC Lions, where he scored seven goals and nineteen assists.

International career
Gruth was member of the Polish National Team for the 1980 Olympics, 1984 Olympics, 1988 Olympics and 1992 Olympics, as well as for 17 World Championships. He holds the record for the most selection to the Polish squad, with 248, as well as the record for the most points (109).

He was inducted to the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in 2006.

Coaching career
Following his playing days, Gruth turned to coaching. In 1996-97, he was head coach of EHC Salzgitter of the 2.Bundesliga in Germany. He had a record of 5-17-2. He was head coach of the ZSC Lions when current head coach Christian Weber was downgraded to the role of assistant of Beat Lautenschlager with the GCK Lions of the NLB.