Damian Clara will play the home World Cup with Italy. © André Ringuette

The star is on the way: Damian Clara is coming to the World Cup

Italy and South Tyrol's ice hockey fans are happy about this news: Damian Clara will compete in the home World Championships in Bolzano. He could be in goal as early as Sunday.

26 April 2024

From: det

Will Damian Clara come to the World Cup or not? This has been one of the hottest topics surrounding Italy's national team in recent days. Now it is clear: The 19-year-old goalie from Reischach, who is the biggest ice hockey talent in the boot state, will contest the home world championship.

Clara lands in Munich from Sweden on Friday evening, is then taken to Bolzano by his parents, completes the medical check there on Saturday morning and then trains with the team for the first time.

The greatest talent in Italy

This is outstanding news for Italy's team, as well as for South Tyrol's ice hockey fans. You have the opportunity to see the young star play on your own doorstep. As is well known, Clara was drafted by the NHL club Anaheim Ducks last summer, and quite a few experts see his future in the best league in the world.

Damian Clara (1st from right) recently became champion. © Jonas von Hofsten

The Puster native gave a taste of his huge talent in the season that just ended. Clara played a fantastic season in goal for the Swedish second division team Brynäs IF led his team to the title just a few days ago. Because the final series ended on time, the young goalie has the opportunity to travel to the World Cup. In the past season, the teenager was also awarded with the Guldgallret Trophy awarded – and thus voted the best youth player in the league.

Who has to pack the bags?

Because Clara made it to the World Cup, there are currently four goalkeepers in the Azzurri squad. In addition to the youngster, these are Andreas Bernard, Jake Smith and Gianluca Vallini. One of them definitely has to go home, another will be taken out of the squad (for now) as a reserve man. Italy's first World Cup game will take place on Sunday from 19.30 p.m SportNews-Live ticker) against Romania.