Clara on the wave of success: “The only thing that counts for us is promotion”

The undisputed number 1 between the posts for the 13-time Swedish champions is the 18-year-old goalkeeper from Reischach, who has been completely convincing in 18 games so far. With a catch rate of 90,8 percent, Clara is in seventh place in the league's goalkeeper ranking. The giant has allowed an average of 7 goals per game and has conceded 2,14 goals so far. He kept his box clean twice (including in the 35-6 win over Kalmar on Wednesday evening) and was between the posts in 0 wins.

Clara is currently without competition after Anders Lindbäck was released last Friday, which is tantamount to a dismissal. “Anders is still under contract and remains part of the Brynäs organization. But he no longer takes part in any training or games,” explains Clara, who very much regrets the loss of the 35-year-old NHL goalkeeper (135 games): “I already miss him. After all, he helped me a lot, and not just at the beginning. Now I'm on my own. I didn't mind the competition. On the contrary: we always pushed each other.”

Who comes? The Pusterer knows that a new goalkeeper will be joining the team in the next few weeks. Most recently, the name of 26-year-old Swede Victor Brattström made the rounds. Until a successor to Lindbäck, who fell short of expectations with a catch rate of 88,9 percent, is found, the 18-year-old Dane Kristers Steinbergs and the 16-year-old Swede William Forsberg will share the role of substitute goalkeeper. “They are very talented, but they haven’t played a game in the Allsvenskan yet,” explains Clara.

Stylish: Damian Clara © Oscar Larsson

He feels completely at home in his new surroundings and is convinced that he has made a step forward in the last few months: “That mainly has to do with the fact that I played throughout December because Lindbäck was injured in the groin . I have improved mentally and become more consistent in my performance. I really like it at Brynäs and am grateful for the trust they have placed in me.” “We are the strongest team on paper.” Damian Clara After 31 games, Brynäs IF leads the Allsvenskan table with 5 points ahead of Djurgarden (60 points) and Södertälje (59). “For us, the only thing that counts is promotion. But there is still a long way to go until then. But we know that we can go far. After all, we are the strongest team on paper. “So far, unfortunately, we have often lacked the necessary consistency and the results against the top teams have not been particularly good,” assures Clara, who has missed one game so far due to illness.

A spectator magnet The top teams and toughest opponents include the goalkeeper talent, who was drafted last June by the NHL club Anaheim Ducks in the second round as number 2, Södertälje, Djurgarden and Björklöven. “But you shouldn’t underestimate AIK Stockholm and Mora. For me, a dangerous outsider is Kalmar, which is very strong on the counter,” says Clara. On Wednesday, however, Kalmar had no chance.

Brynäs not only collected the most points, but also scored the most goals (122) and conceded the second fewest (75). The traditional club is also number 1 when it comes to spectators. An average of 6420 fans have come to the league leaders' home games so far. On December 27th, 7734 spectators in the ERP Arena, which was sold out for the first time this season, witnessed the 10-2 shooting festival against Östersunds.

The goalkeeper has regular communication with his NHL club: “During the U20 World Cup that recently ended, some of Anaheim’s scouts were in Gothenburg. I occasionally talk to the Ducks' goaltending coach, who watches all my games on the Internet. I am in closer contact with my actual employer Färjestad BK, who loaned me to Brynäs.”

Home World Cup could come too early The basic season in the Allsvenskan includes 52 match days and ends on March 8th. If Brynäs reaches the final, it could be difficult for Clara to take part in the home World Cup in Bolzano. As is well known, this begins on April 28th. Last season, Modo Hockey was only confirmed as champions and promoted teams in the Allsvenskan on April 30, 2023 after 7 thrilling final games against Djurgarden. Clara, who spent four days at home with his family in Reischach over Christmas, doesn't want to waste any thought on that. His only thoughts at the moment are the home game on Thursday against rivals AIK Stockholm.

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Clara on the wave of success: “The only thing that counts for us is promotion”

“On the whole, everything is going according to plan.” Damian Clara answers modestly as usual. After almost two thirds of the regular season, Brynäs IF is comfortably leading the Allsvenskan table, the second Swedish league.

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