The world of ice hockey mourns the sudden loss of Leo Giuseppe Insam, an esteemed figure in Italian hockey history. The former defenseman, known for his towering presence on the ice, tragically passed away in his sleep on Sunday morning in Val Gardena. At just 48 years old, Insam leaves behind a lasting legacy that has forever impacted the sport he loved.
Born in Bolzano, Italy, Leo Insam emerged as one of the most talented Italian players of the 1990s. His contributions to the national team were monumental, with appearances at both the 1994 and 1998 Olympic Winter Games. Insam also represented his country in six IIHF Ice Hockey Men’s World Championships between 1995 and 2001, contributing to a golden era for Italian hockey.
During this remarkable period, the Azzurri enjoyed unprecedented success, competing in the top pool of the World Championship for an impressive eleven consecutive years. This achievement had never been accomplished before, nor replicated since. Insam’s contributions on the international stage played a pivotal role in establishing Italy as a force to be reckoned with in ice hockey.
At the domestic level, Insam’s career was equally illustrious. The towering defenseman etched his name into the annals of Italian hockey history, capturing three Italian league championships, two Italian Super Cups, and one Italian Cup. However, a chronic back injury forced him into retirement in 2011. Undeterred, Insam seamlessly transitioned into a new chapter of his life, becoming a beloved hotelier in his hometown of Val Gardena.
Leo Insam’s journey to greatness began in his youth. He represented Italy in three IIHF World Junior Championships, B Pool, during the early 1990s. Remarkably, Insam and his teammates never faced relegation, maintaining their position just below the top tier consistently. This early success foreshadowed the remarkable career that awaited him.
Insam’s professional career took him across borders and continents. After a stint with Gherdeina (Val Gardena), he ventured to British Columbia, Canada, where he played provincial junior hockey with Nanaimo. However, his heart called him back to his homeland, and he soon returned to Italy.
Insam also showcased his skills in Austria (Klagenfurt) and Germany (Dusseldorf) before signing with Asiago. It was during his tenure in Italy that he would spend the majority of his playing years, gracing the ice for Milano, Bolzano, and ultimately returning to where it all began, Gherdeina.
Known for his defensive prowess, Insam’s physical presence was legendary. Standing at an imposing 6’5″ (196 cm) and weighing 212 lbs. (96 kg), he commanded respect on the ice. His skill set made him one of the finest blueliners of his generation in Italy. Throughout his international career, he recorded two goals in 36 games at the IIHF World Championship. The first came in a crucial match against Latvia in 1997, scoring the opener in a 5-4 victory. The following year, he added another goal to his tally, finding the back of the net in a 5-2 defeat against Canada.