Franz Lange

Franz Lange was a German hockey player who was regarded as one of the top players in Europe prior to World War I.

The sharp-shooting forward represented the German National Team at all five European Championships held between 1910 and 1914, earning four silver (the 1912 tournament was later annulled) and one bronze medal.

Lange also played for Germany at the prestigious LIHG Championships from 1912-1914. He led his team to victory at the 1912 and 1913 tournaments, scoring 21 and nine goals respectively.

He spent his club career playing for Berliner Schlittschuhclub from 1912-1914, winning three German Championships and competing in numerous international matches with the club.

A member of the German air force in World War I, Lange suffered multiple broken bones when his plane nosedived and crash-landed on March 5, 1918. The injuries he sustained were severe enough that he was unable to continue his hockey career after the war.

Lange was inducted into the German Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.