The former defenseman suited for the Zürcher SC during three seasons back in the 1980s and then returned to Zurich after his active career 21 years ago. From 2003 to 2005 he worked as the assistant coach of the ZSC Lions and helped them win the Swiss Championship in 2005.
After this success, he returned to the Lions' youth department: "I've realized this job isn't for me," he says about coaching in Switzerland's top league in a press release. "I wanted to be able to work in peace. With the GCK/ZSC Lions this has always been possible. I have always appreciated that."
With the Lions' Elite-A team, he celebrated seven championship titles in ten years and has formed various National League players: "Today I look at the lineups and see the names of my former students. That makes me incredibly proud!" Now, Henryk Gruth has decided to retire: "There is a new generation coming and this is no longer my world."
