Gianfranco Da Rin

The son of an Alpine troops general who owned the Hotel Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Gianfranco Da Rin began playing ice hockey at a very young age. He followed in the footsteps of his brother Arturo da Rin, an Alpine trooper who went missing on the Russian front during World War II. His younger brothers, Alberto Da Rin and Luigino Da Rin, also shared his passion for ice hockey.

Originally a striker, Gianfranco was moved to defence because of his physical and technical qualities. He made his Italian international début in his hometown at the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics. Eight years later, with his brother Alberto, Da Rin took part at the Innsbruck Winter Olympics. In addition, Gianfranco took part in 12 Ice Hockey World Championships (Groups B and C) between 1959-75.

Da Rin became an indispensable member of the national team, playing for them 280 times, and was captain between 1962-75. His career as a player for the club side Sportivi Ghiaccio Cortina is no less impressive, with 14 championships (between 1957-75), two Alpine Cups, the 1971 Champions Cup final, and over 1,000 appearances.