Hockey Icon’s Death Shakes Lithuanian Talent Pursuing Dream in Sweden

Marcele Kieraite, a 16-year-old hockey player with Hammarby IF in Sweden’s NDHL, is navigating grief and pursuing her athletic ambitions after the sudden death of her father, Mindaugas Kieras, a Lithuanian hockey icon. The tragedy has deeply impacted Kieraite, but she remains committed to her hockey career, honoring her father’s legacy by continuing to play in Sweden.

A Shocking Loss

Kieraite received the devastating news of her father’s death in early September even as at home in Stockholm. Her mother delivered the news, revealing that Mindaugas Kieras had died in an accident while on a river in central Lithuania.^[4] The loss was a profound shock, leaving Kieraite struggling to process the grief.

“It was a shock. I couldn’t believe it was true,” Kieraite said. “He was very funny… Kind… Caring… He was the closest to me. My best friend.”

National Mourning in Lithuania

The death of Mindaugas Kieras resonated throughout Lithuania, where he was a celebrated figure in the hockey world. He was the nation’s most capped player, having represented Lithuania in 20 consecutive World Championships.^[4] Even the country’s president, Gitanas Nauseda, expressed his condolences.^[4] Kieraite traveled to Lithuania following the news, where a three-day funeral was held in Vilnius, drawing a large turnout from the community.

A Legacy of Hockey Leadership

Mindaugas Kieras was not only a star player but likewise a pivotal leader in Lithuanian hockey. He captained the national team and led them to promotion from lower divisions, achieving a gold medal in the B division.^[4] After his playing career, he founded Vilnius Hockey Punks in 2007, which has become one of the country’s leading clubs.^[4] He was named Lithuania’s Coach of the Year in 2020.^[4]

Kieraite fondly remembers her father’s coaching style: “He was one of the kindest coaches. He joked with everyone. Everyone loved him. He was not only a good coach, he was a good person.”

Continuing the Dream in Sweden

Despite the immense grief, Kieraite has chosen to remain in Sweden and continue her hockey career with Hammarby IF. She considered returning home but ultimately decided that staying in Sweden was the best path forward, both for her personal development and to honor her father’s wishes.^[4]

“I had no other choice. I understand it is better for me and my future to be here. That’s what dad would have wanted too. If I had left, he would have been so angry and I know I would have regretted it,” she stated.

Marcele Kieraite’s Hammarby Career

Marcele Kieraite joined Hammarby IF for the 2025-2026 season, arriving from Hockey Punks Academy.^{[1, 2]} She is a left-handed defenseman.^[1] Hammarby IF currently competes in the Nationella Damhockeyligan (NDHL).^[1] The team is based in Stockholm, Sweden and was founded in 2016.^[1]

As of March 10, 2026, the Hammarby IF roster includes 4 goaltenders, 10 defensemen, and 14 forwards.^[1]