Viktor Schweitzer takes a break: What counts now

When the 2021/22 ice hockey season officially begins today with the first puck drop in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL). , then someone will be missing who has been chasing the puck in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) at HCB Südtirol Alperia as well as in the AlpsHL at HC Pustertal and HC Gherdëina in recent years: Viktor Schweitzer has decided to take a break.

Why did you decide to pause your ice hockey career for the time being? Viktor Schweitzer: “After my father fell ill with Covid-19, I had to take on more responsibility and additional tasks in my parents’ carpentry business. That’s why I didn’t see any other option than to take a break from ice hockey.”

What is your job in your parents’ business?

“I took over complete management of the carpentry business with its 20 employees at home in Niederdorf. After high school, I attended the carpentry vocational school, which is why I am well versed in this craft. I started working for my parents' business in April 2020 after I had packed up my tent in Bolzano due to Corona. That’s why I was able to get an overview of the different areas of responsibility.”

In the spring of this year, your father Michael, who is a member of the board of directors of HC Pustertal, fell ill with Covid-19.

“I can still remember it very well. It was March 26th when, shortly before the start of the play-offs, I was one of 7 HC Pustertal players who tested positive. On the same day my father started feeling symptoms, while I noticed practically nothing.”

Her father, on the other hand, got it badly.

"Yes, unfortunately. He was admitted to the Bruneck hospital on Easter Sunday - April 4th. Since then he has also been treated in the Covid19 intensive care unit in Bolzano, among other places. He has been in the rehabilitation station in Vipiteno for 5 weeks. He will be returning home soon.”

How is your father today?

“He is doing well under the circumstances. The biggest problem is still the lungs. Luckily there was never anything missing in my head. There’s a good chance he’ll get completely healthy again.”

How much have you suffered in the past few months? “It wasn't an easy time. We are overjoyed that he is still here and is finally out of the woods. It could have turned out differently. In any case, we expected the worst. My father accepted the corona infection and fought. I personally experienced both extremes first hand: I had a mild case and didn't actually feel anything, while my father, who was a healthy man and had no previous illnesses, was badly affected. I hope that there will be a rethink among those people who still don’t take Corona seriously.”

Change of topic. The 6th season in the AlpsHL begins on Saturday. Who are your favorites?

“The Rittner Buam have strengthened themselves well in the summer months, which is why they will be at the forefront. Asiago should never be ignored. Jesenice will also have a say in the awarding of the title. Salzburg II also sends a strong team into the race every year, but they lack the necessary experience.” “For me, Val Gardena is the secret favorite.” Victor Schweitzer You also played 2019 games for HC Gherdëina in the 20/15 season. What do you think the Ladins can do?

“For me, Val Gardena is the secret favorite. I know several players with whom I played at HCG but also at HC Pustertal. But there are also numerous talents such as Leo Messner who have great potential. With Hannu Järvenpää there is also a very experienced trainer behind the gang.”

HC Pustertal starts in the ICEHL next Friday. How will the “Wolves” perform in the new league?

“My ex-team can definitely cause a surprise. The pre-play-offs should definitely be within reach. Finally, there are some players who already know the ICEHL. Others still have to get used to the new league. It is quite possible that one or two foreigners will turn out to be a lucky find. The new stadium could be an additional motivation for the players.”

Speaking of the new arena: How much does it hurt you personally not to be able to be there when the HCP starts this new era?

“It is of course very bitter. Returning to the ICEHL was always my big goal. I really wanted to be part of the new beginning in Bruneck. I still have hope that I’ll get another chance.”

You played 148 games in the ICEHL wearing the HCB Südtirol jersey, with whom you also won the championship title in the 2017/18 season. How do you describe the level in the cross-border championship?

“The difference between AlpsHL and ICEHL is big. The two leagues are structured differently. The effort in the ICEHL is much greater. There are more games and the rides are longer too. The speed of the game is also faster: you have very little time to think. The style of play is also harder than in the AlpsHL. That’s why physical fitness is so important.”

What role will HCB Südtirol play in the coming ICEHL season?

“The HCB is always a force to be reckoned with. Sports director Dieter Knoll has always brought very good players to Bolzano in the past. And he probably succeeded this year too. In addition, almost all of last year's top performers such as Brett Findlay, Mike Halmo, Daniel Catenacci and Dustin Gazley were retained. If the new goalkeeper Kevin Boyle can replace his predecessor Leland Irving, then I have every confidence the HCB can do.”

Who are your favorites in the ICEHL?

“In addition to the HCB, Salzburg and Klagenfurt are the most likely candidates for champions.”

Will you return to the ice again? “It is my great wish and will to return to the ice again. Preferably at HC Pustertal, of course. When and whether this will even be possible is still unclear. In any case, I would have imagined a different farewell. I will start training again soon. But other things are more important to me at the moment.”

Interview: Kurt Platter

AlpsHL Austria	SP	TV	P
1. Salzburg II	24	94:56	53
2. KHL Sisak	25	88:64	49
3. Zell am See	23	80:60	48
4. Kitzbuhel	24	87:67	43
5. Bregenzerwald	24	73:80	39
6. Rittner Buam	25	76:67	39
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Viktor Schweitzer takes a break: What counts now

Striker Viktor Schweitzer has decided to take a break. For good reason.

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