Jakob Rabanser was seriously injured.

The Broncos shock: Season over for Jakob Rabanser

Even before the season has really begun, the Wipptal Broncos have received bad news: number one goalie Jakob Rabanser may be out for the entire season after an injury sustained during fitness training.

July 25, 2024

From: leo

Although he is only 24 years old, Jakob Rabanser is an integral part of the Wipptal Broncos team. Last year, the goalkeeper sensationally led his Wildpferde to the semi-finals of the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL), where they were only eliminated in the seventh game against the Rittner Buam. This year, the 2.05-meter giant wanted to take the next step forward with his hometown club. Instead, the goalkeeper will probably miss the entire season. The reason: Two weeks ago, Rabanser tore his Achilles tendon during fitness training.

“This summer I went to Bruneck once a week to train,” Rabanser told SportNews"And that's exactly where it happened. I wanted to sprint before I heard the bang. I quickly noticed that something was wrong. I couldn't walk anymore. It felt like I was wearing high heels." Rabanser was immediately taken to the hospital in Brixen, where the operation was carried out two days later. "The procedure has to be done quickly, otherwise the contraction of the muscle could pull the tendon upwards." According to Rabanser, the operation went well.

Long downtime

The goalie is currently spending his days at home. His leg is in a cast. He will soon be getting a shoe made especially for him, which will enable him to make his first movements that put strain on his Achilles tendon. "It will take six to eight weeks before rehabilitation can begin. It will probably be half a year before I'm back on the ice. But I will try everything in my power to come back as best as possible."

Jakob Rabanser will be out for a long time.

Rabanser also talks about difficult times from last year's playoffs: "During the semi-final series against Ritten, I twisted my ankle and tore the ligaments in my ankle. I continued playing anyway, but was cautious after the season and made sure not to put too much strain on my leg. But the Achilles tendon in my other foot tore, which was surprising."

For the club, it is now time to reorientate. After all, Rabanser is one of the most important players in the squad. As we have heard, sports director Egon Gschnitzer already has a legionnaire on the hook. In any case, Rabanser's absence is the next setback for the Broncos, as Captain Fabian Hackhofer and Michael Messner two pillars are about to resign.