William Lofqvist, a goalkeeper for Sweden at several international ice hockey events, has died aged 69 ©Brynäs IF

William Löfqvist, a goaltender for Sweden at several international ice hockey events, has died aged 69 following a battle with breast cancer.

Löfqvist played in four major International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) tournaments during his career, winning a medal on each occasion.

His first event was the 1971 World Championships in Bern and Geneva in Switzerland where he was part of the Swedish team who won a bronze medal.

Two years later, in the 1973 edition of the tournament in Moscow, he played in seven games and helped them to a silver medal.

Löfqvist's final World Championship appearance came in Katowice in Poland in 1976 when he played in four games, once again securing a bronze medal. 

William Lofqvist represented his country at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid ©Getty Images
William Lofqvist represented his country at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid ©Getty Images

A native of Gavle, a small city in Sweden, Löfqvist also represented his country at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid.

He played in matches against both Romania and Norway where his side secured victories before going on to claim a bronze medal. 

In addition to a glittering international career, Löfqvist was also a star in the top Swedish league, playing with Brynäs IF for 15 years between 1968-1983.

He retired as one of the most iconic players in the team's history. 

After his hockey career, Löfqvist became a professional golfer and was also the ninetieth player inducted into Sweden’s “Big Boys’ Club,” a version of a national hall of fame.