Damian Clara is looking forward to the award ceremony. © André Ringuette

Damian Clara could receive a special honor

Things are going smoothly in Sweden for South Tyrol's exceptional ice hockey talent Damian Clara. Now he has also been nominated for an extremely coveted award.

16. February 2024

From: kp

Damian Clara made South Tyrolean ice hockey history last June when he was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round at position 2. The goalkeeper still has to wait for his first appearance in the NHL, but he is currently causing a sensation in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second highest division.

With Brynäs IF, the 19-year-old from Puster leads the table after 44 laps. Clara has played 30 games between the posts so far, celebrated 22 wins and 3 shutouts and has a catch rate of 90,6 percent. He was recently nominated for the Guldgallret award. This year, the best junior player in HockeyAllsvenskan will receive this for the 15th time. This person must have been born in 2004 or later and have played at least 10 games in the second division this season.

“I would be happy if I could also get one or two votes from South Tyrol.” Damian Clara

“I am one of 30 juniors selected for this award. Fans have until February 28th to vote for the 10 finalists. “I would be happy if I could get one or two voices from South Tyrol,” says Clara, promoting herself. From the 10 finalists, a jury then selects a single winner, who will be presented in the play-offs.

Damian Clara is between the posts for Brynäs IF.

The winner will be rewarded with the “Guldgallret 2024” (Gold Grid 2024) and prize money of 100.000 Swedish crowns (just under 9000 euros). This sum goes towards the youth work of the winning junior club. Along with Slovakian Alex Ciernik, Clara is the only foreigner to make it onto the list of 30 nominated juniors.

Anyone who wants to give their voice to Damian Clara can do so here do.