Mistakes, opportunities & Olympic dreams: Damian Clara in an exclusive interview

Our s+ Damian spoke to Clara about…

…the season so far: There were many ups and downs, some highs and lows. Not everything was perfect on the athletic side, but I learned a lot and gained a lot of experience. It may have been one of the most important years of my career.

…his 3 years in Sweden: It was a very educational time. I always felt comfortable and made many good friends. The first year was a bit difficult for me due to my lack of language skills. In Sweden, ice hockey is classy and highly regarded. It's a good place to play ice hockey. There are excellent coaches who provide an outstanding education. You get the chance to work your way up step by step.

…his time this winter at Färjestad: Because I couldn't quite live up to the expectations placed on me at the beginning, I didn't play much after that. But I was able to train with one of the best teams in Europe. I had good and bad games, and I made mistakes too. I'm grateful that I was given the chance to play there. It was always fun. I always enjoyed going to the arena, even when not everything went perfectly. It was a privilege for me to be part of this organization because I know it's a coveted spot and many of my fellow goalkeepers would love to be between the posts for Färjestad.

…his move to Kärpat Oulu: It was an unexpected opportunity that, like the one with Brynäs a year earlier, came out of nowhere. I didn't think twice when the offer from Kärpat Oulu came in mid-February. I'd been to Oulu before and knew who the goaltending coach was. Sudarshan Maharaj, the Anaheim Ducks' Director of Goaltending, suggested the move. It was important for him and the NHL club that I get some playing time somewhere. There were other options, but Kärpat was the best for me. “I expected more.” Damian Clara about his time at Kärpät …the 10 games in Finland: I started nine games. Against KalPa, I came on after just 9 minutes, replacing Tomi Karhunen, with the score at 13-0. I won three and lost seven, and I have to say I expected more. The team was better than their standings suggest. I'm glad I got the chance to prove myself there. I learned a lot and improved. Unfortunately, I also made a few mistakes at Kärpat. Despite the disappointing ending, I'm satisfied with the away game in Finland.

…goalkeeper coach Ari Hilli: He's a true expert. At 57, he may no longer be the youngest and technically no longer up to date, but he possesses a tremendous wealth of experience. Under him, new dimensions opened up for me. He opened my eyes to a different way of interpreting the game. Despite our short collaboration, I learned a great deal. And I was also able to learn a lot from Tomi Karhunen. It was definitely enriching.

…Head Coach Petri Matikainen: Unfortunately, he was only with us for 13 days. For me, it was a 180-degree turnaround from everything I've seen from coaches so far – in a positive sense. He took the pressure off us players and gave us a lot of freedom. On the ice, the former coach of Klagenfurter AC ignited a new fire. Although he didn't come into the locker room with a chainsaw like he did in Klagenfurt, he brought new energy to the team. Under him, we grew as a group. Everyone knew what to do. For Matikainen, work ethic, commitment, and a positive attitude were the most important things. I had a good relationship with him and enjoyed having him as a coach.

…the last game last Saturday against IFK Helsinki: Unfortunately, things went badly. With 28 seconds left and the score at 1-1, I made a huge mistake. I knew we had to win and wanted to shoot the puck over the blue line. Unfortunately, it landed right on the shovel of opponent Liro Pakarinen, who buried it in the net to make it 2-1. I felt really miserable afterward. I still don't know why I wanted to make that pass. I took full responsibility for the loss. My players defended me and showed understanding for the mistake. I felt most sorry for Marko Anttila: After all, it was the last game of the Kärpat captain's career, and he certainly deserved a different exit. It's a shame! “Maybe there’s a chance to continue the season somewhere.” Damian Clara about his near future …missing the playoffs and ending the season prematurely: Of course, that hurts. The only positive thing at this point is that we avoided relegation. But that wasn't our goal. We went into the games to win, to reach the playoffs, and to go as far as possible. The club set itself ambitious goals, which we players unfortunately didn't achieve. Perhaps there will be an opportunity for me to continue the season somewhere else.

…the difference between Färjestad and Kärpat: These are two clubs that play in different leagues, where different styles of ice hockey are offered. They are two traditional clubs and two top organizations that attract large crowds. Expectations are very high every year for both Färjestad and Kärpat. Damian Clara in the Kärpät Oulu goal.

…his 2 shutouts this winter: I kept a clean sheet on January 30th in the Färjestad jersey in the 3-0 win against Timra, and on March 12th in the Kärpat goal, when we also beat Tappara Tampere 3-0. Of course, I'm happy about that, and it's good for the stats. However, my priority is always the team performance and the points for the table.

…the number 50 for Färjestad and 45 for Kärpat: They don't really mean anything to me. I chose them because my favorite number, 20, wasn't available. For Färjestad, striker Marcus Westfält wore the number 20; for Kärpat, it's a banned number and hangs under the roof of the arena. “It would be unique if I could be there.” Damian Clara on the 2026 Olympics in Italy …his return to South Tyrol: I'll be returning to South Tyrol soon. Since Monday evening, I've been back in Sweden, where I have to clear out my apartment before returning home.

…the World Cup of Division I Group A in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania: I would be delighted to be there. We have a clear goal in mind and want to advance to the World Group. To do so, we need to prepare well and have no need to hide from any opponent.

…the coming season: It's going to be exciting. There's nothing concrete yet, but there's certainly a trend. Let's see where things go in the summer.

…next year’s Olympic Games in Milan: It would be a dream and a highlight for me. After all, not every player gets the chance to compete in the Olympic Games. It would be unique if I could be there. I will do everything I can to make it happen.

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Mistakes, opportunities & Olympic dreams: Damian Clara in an exclusive interview

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