Damian Clara taking off from Anaheim to Las Vegas. © Anaheim Ducks

A Clara video is causing a stir.

While Italy's national ice hockey team is currently preparing for the upcoming World Championship in Fribourg, Damian Clara is living his NHL dream. The goalie from Reischach received a special honor on Saturday.

04 May 2026

From: leo

The Anaheim Ducks eliminated the Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, in the first round of the NHL playoffs. On Monday (local time), the Californians begin their best-of-seven series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Preparations are in full swing – and Damian Clara, from South Tyrol, is right in the thick of it.

The 21-year-old guarded one of the Ducks' two nets at Saturday's official public practice because the regular backup, Ville Husso, had traveled to Florida for the birth of his child. Clara was celebrated by fans on social media, as his performance at the Olympic Games is still fresh in everyone's memory. Some even hoped for a chance to play for the youngster, though that is almost certainly not going to happen. "He's so much fun to watch. Very athletic, a diamond in the rough," one person wrote.

The Ducks did release photos on Sunday of Clara boarding the team plane to Vegas. However, Husso has since returned and will serve as backup to number one goalie Lukas Dostal. The game between Anaheim and the Golden Knights starts at 1:3.30 a.m. Monday night/Tuesday morning.

World Cup yes or no.

National coach Jukka Jalonen will also be watching this duel with great interest. Should Anaheim be eliminated in four or five games, the South Tyrolean would be in contention for the World Championship opener. Otherwise, Davide Fadani will take on the role of starting goalkeeper. Colin Furlong and Jacob Smith are also in the Azzurri squad.