Alex Frei: “I’m proud to be there. The HCB would be a dream”

Alex Frei's suffering began two years ago. At first his career seemed to really take off when he moved to Ritten, but a severe concussion threw him completely off track. A comeback attempt a few months later failed, so he had to miss last season completely. He wanted to try again this season with his hometown club Kaltern. And the concept seems to be working, because with nine goals and six assists he is suddenly the driving force in the Hechte's game. This did not go unnoticed by those responsible for the national team. They nominated him for the upcoming Euro Ice Hockey Challenge.

Alex Frei, how do you explain this successful return? “I just feel free in my head. Before my serious injury, I was under constant pressure. I was very afraid of making serious mistakes. But since I've been able to play again, I've just thought about having fun and staying relaxed. This liberated demeanor helps me enormously.”

In two years you only played 37 games for Ritten and Kaltern. Have you ever thought about quitting?

"Yes I have. I was afraid that I would never regain my old strength. But then I said to myself: You're 21 years old and love playing ice hockey, make something of it! Now I’m trying to make up for lost time.”

Is the serious injury still in the back of your mind? “At first it was really difficult to face the physical contact on the boards. Many people immediately said that I would never be the same again. However, I have evolved. Now I don't care at all, I'm having fun on the ice again and I'm gradually finding my best form again. This process surprised even me a bit, but I’m happy about it.”

Do you regret switching to Ritten back then?

“In hindsight it was probably the wrong step. But that was primarily my fault, because I couldn't cope with the increased expectations. In Kaltern I now have a familiar environment again in which I can fully develop.”

Things aren't going according to plan for the Hechte in terms of sport.

"That's right. However, the club does not allow itself to be disturbed by the increased demands of Serie A and continues unhindered on its chosen path of continuing to rely on its own young players. We don’t feel any pressure to succeed. Rather, we want to manage to trip up the big clubs with little money but with a lot of passion and commitment.”

The club management made a mistake when choosing transfer card players.

“Those players who left us couldn’t make the difference, that’s right. Meanwhile, the new purchases (Janik and Ranta, editor’s note) are real reinforcements.”

How do you assess the reduction in the foreign contingent in Serie A?

“It was the best decision I've made in a long time, believe me. The young players need the playing time and responsibility; this is the only way they can develop further. Of course the level has suffered as a result, but in the long term this step will pay off.”

How do you rate the work of Hechte coach Don MacAdam?

“He is an outstanding personality who does incredibly valuable work. He tries to pass on his experience to us every day.”

Are there parallels to the Italian national team coach Lou Vairo?

“He also has an incredibly wealth of experience. He literally lives for ice hockey. I am incredibly happy and proud to be part of the national team.”

Who will you line up with at the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge?

“I will probably play alongside Michael Sullmann and my Kalter strike partner Raphael Andergassen.”

You have already experienced a lot in your career. What goal do you still have in mind?

“I would like to make ice hockey my career at some point. At the moment I go to work and devote myself to training in the evening. But ice hockey determines my life. It would be great if I could concentrate fully on that, ideally in a foreign league or at HC Bozen in the EBEL. It would be a small dream to play for the Foxes in the top Austrian league. But now I want to continue working hard on myself and continue on the path I have chosen. After all, there are still many beautiful moments waiting on the ice in the near future.”

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Alex Frei: “I’m proud to be there. The HCB would be a dream”

A year ago, the 21-year-old striker was about to retire. Now, contrary to many prophecies, he is part of the Italian national ice hockey team. SportNews.bz spoke to him.

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