Andy Bernard very privately: “Then I’ll just be the househusband.”

Bernard didn't visit his family and friends in Kaltern for almost a year. So he was very happy when he arrived in the Überetsch wine village three weeks ago with his two children. Before the Scandinavian by choice returned to Finland this Wednesday, he stood SportNews in an interview talk and answer. For once it wasn't primarily about the sport of ice hockey.

In the past year and a half you have played in Mannheim, Helsinki and Budapest. What experiences do you take with you from this journey? Andreas Bernard: “It was a strange time. The constant moves, club searches and the change in my personal management have left their mark. I've thought a lot, including about the time after my career. And then Corona came. When my wife went to work and I was at home with the children, I thought to myself: 'Okay, then I'll be the househusband.' That was somehow unusual.”

“The time has come for me to plan for the long term” What conclusions do you draw for life after your ice hockey career? “I'm already looking for a job that I can continue to do after my active time. I have several interests that I pursue in this regard. The time has come for me to plan for the long term. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to play ice hockey at a good level for a few more years.”

How has your family coped with the last few turbulent months? “My girlfriend and I actually wanted to get married in South Tyrol this summer, but due to travel restrictions we had to postpone the wedding for a year. Even so, the time was not an easy one due to Corona. The children especially felt this. That's why we want to ensure more stability in everyday life. Since we were fortunate to be able to get two kindergarten places in Finland, our family will have their permanent home there for the foreseeable future. Depending on where I play next season, I will try to be with them as much as possible.”

Andreas Bernard has been Italy's number 1 for years. © AFP / PATRIK STOLLARZ

So are you also aiming to return to Finland in terms of sport? “A lot has happened in Finnish ice hockey in recent years: there is an increasing reliance on young players, which is why many experienced cracks want to go abroad. The level and style of play have also changed. Of course Finland plays a role in my considerations, but it is no longer my main desired destination.”

Instead, there is talk of interested parties from the ICE Hockey League. How exactly are the discussions going? “There were loose contacts with the ICE, and some clubs in Germany are not yet fully staffed in the goalkeeper position. But that's standard industry practice; it's not really ready for a decision. Hardly any club signs a player now if those responsible don't yet know when and how the coming season will begin. Clubs and player agents are in constant communication, but hardly any concrete discussions are held anywhere.”

“My goal is the 2026 Olympics, I want to play for that long” At the beginning you mentioned your change of advisor. How can we imagine the collaboration between players and agents? “The relationship with my former manager was more of a friendship than an employment relationship. When several changes fell apart last summer, I noticed that the work in the background was far too lax. Difficult months followed with various consultations with consultants before I finally found my current management. This constantly probes the market and gives me clear feedback at least once a week. Unfortunately, even they cannot work miracles during this time.”

How likely is it that local ice hockey fans will see Andy Bernard play in this country again? “Last year a move to HC Bozen was within reach (smiles). My long-term goal is the 2026 Olympics, I want to keep playing until then. A lot can still happen until then. If I could end my career in Bolzano or maybe even in Kaltern, that would be a great thing. And who knows, maybe my family will move again at some point – then from Finland to South Tyrol.”

Questions: Alexander Foppa

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Andy Bernard very privately: “Then I’ll just be the househusband.”

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