NORWEGIAN ice hockey star Alexander Reichenberg has died at the age of 31.
The sad news was confirmed by Lillehammer Ice Hockey Club on their website.
In an emotional statement, they described Reichenberg as one of their greatest ever talents.
He enjoyed a stellar international career as a professional in the Czech Republic, Sweden and Austria.
Reichenberg starred for the national team from U18 all the way through to the A team.
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In 2018, he represented Norway at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018.
According to the Lillehammer website, Reichenberg had his best season to date - scoring 44 points in the regular campaign.
He also led the team as captain in his final campaign.
The statement added: "It is unbelievably sad to think that he will never get to hear the audience's tactful shouts in Eidsiva Arena and that we who sat in the stands will not get to see the player with the big smile, the extra feint or the hard-hitting shot from the drop circle in the power play.
"Rest in Peace, No. 61. You will always be remembered as an artist.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to family, girlfriend and team-mates."
The statement added that the news was published with the consent of Reichenberg's family.
Reichenberg was reportedly in talks with other clubs who wanted to enlist his services.
Last week, nitten.no revealed he had spoken to Valerenga, and that there was interest from Denmark, Slovakia, Austria and France.
Lillehammer revealed in their statement: "After the good season, which has just ended, Alexander received well-deserved attention from several big clubs in Norway and abroad.
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"Of course, there was also an offer from the parent club on the table and he wanted to spend time evaluating a new professional offer abroad against a good life with work, club games and belonging to friends and colleagues at Lillehammer."
