Frank Moberg
Frank Moberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 March 1940 Turku, Finland |
| Died | 3 April 2025 (aged 85) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Other names | Mr. IFK |
| Citizenship | Finnish-Swedish |
| Occupation | Ice hockey executive |
| Years active | 1968–2001 |
| Known for | Contributions to HIFK and Finnish ice hockey |
| Political party | Swedish People's Party of Finland |
| Relatives | Toni Mäkiaho (son-in-law), Daniel Mäkiaho (grandson) |
| Awards | Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame (2000) |
Frank Moberg (27 March 1940 – 3 April 2025) was a Finnish-Swedish ice hockey executive and influential figure in the sport. He was closely associated with the Helsinki-based hockey club HIFK, earning the nickname "Mr. IFK." Moberg played a pivotal role in the development of Finnish ice hockey, contributing significantly to the sport at both domestic and international levels.[1]
Early life and career
[edit]Frank Moberg was born in Turku, Finland on 27 March 1940.[2] In addition to his involvement in sports administration, he worked for many years in the family business, balancing his professional and sporting commitments.
Contributions to HIFK
[edit]Moberg began his association with HIFK in 1968, serving as the club’s treasurer until 1976. He was later appointed chairman of the club, a position he held from 1976 to 1990. From 1987 to 2001, he served as the club’s CEO, overseeing its operations and contributing to its growth and success. Moberg was also a member of the board of HIFK's league association, which owns the majority of HIFK-Hockey's shares.[3]
Role in Finnish national team
[edit]Moberg served as team manager for the Finnish national ice hockey team on three occasions: 1974–1975, 1977–1980, and 1988–1989. His leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in supporting the team during these periods. [3]
Involvement in SM-liiga and NHL
[edit]Moberg was a key figure in the Sm-liiga, Finland's premier professional ice hockey league, from its inception. He served as a member of the SM-liiga's union board from 1975 to 1991 and later joined the league's management in 1992. Additionally, Moberg worked as a scout for the NHL team Quebec Nordiques from 1989 to 1993, contributing to talent identification for the organization.[2]
Recognition and honors
[edit]In 2000, Moberg was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame as Finnish Ice Hockey Lion number 125, in recognition of his significant contributions to the sport.[4]
Political career
[edit]Moberg was a candidate for the Swedish People's Party of Finland (RKP) in the 2007 Finnish parliamentary election. He received 1,052 votes in the Helsinki (constituency) but was not elected to Parliament.[5]
Personal life and death
[edit]Moberg worked as the manager of Hotel Hesperia from the early 1970s until 1987.[6] He was married and had a family with strong ties to ice hockey. His son-in-law, Toni Mäkiaho, and grandson, Daniel Mäkiaho, both pursued careers in professional ice hockey.[7]
Moberg died in Stockholm, Sweden on 3 April 2025, at the age of 85.[8]
Literature
[edit]- Pohjalainen, Ahti: Frank: Frank Mobergin tarina. WSOY, 2006. ISBN 951-0-31995-3
- Moberg's information on the Hockey Museum's page
References
[edit]- ^ Holopainen, Pekka (2 December 2014). ""Todella huono lausunto" - HIFK-legenda pöyristyi päävalmentajan hurri-puheista". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Frank Moberg at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ a b Korkki, Riku: Jäätävä polte. Iltalehti Urheilu, 20.4.2011, s. 8.
- ^ Eld, Simon (5 April 2025). "Finska sorgen: "Vila i frid, legend"". hockeysverige.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Moberg, Frank | Yle.fi | Vaalit 2007 tulospalvelu". vaalit.yle.fi. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Frank Moberg on kuollut – "Tämä tuli täysin puskista"". www.iltalehti.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Daniel Mäkiaho - Stats, Contract, Salary & More". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ Salmensaari, Antti (4 April 2025). "Kuolleet | Frank Moberg on kuollut". Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 6 April 2025.