3rd operation is pending: This is how Ivan Tauferer feels

In the following interview you can read how the 26-year-old is doing after two operations, when he expects his comeback, what he expects from the ICE Hockey League season that starts tonight and what he expects of HCB Südtirol and HC Pustertal . Mr. Tauferer, what exactly happened on October 2, 2020? Ivan Tauferer: “One thing first: I had problems with my right hand before. I have been examined several times over the past 7 years. Eventually, chronic tendonitis was diagnosed. On October 2, 2020, I grabbed an opponent by the upper body and wanted to pull him away when I felt a stabbing pain in my right hand. Because I had no problems shooting or passing afterwards, I played the following two games against Dornbirn and Vienna. But when I wanted to push someone away, I saw the stars because of the pain.” An operation was inevitable. “During a detailed examination, it became clear that all four ligaments that hold the scaphoid and lunate bones together were torn. Because there were bottlenecks in operations due to Covid-4, I had to wait a month until I could be operated on in Schlanders by the two hand specialists Markus Mariacher and Frank Nienstedt. The operation took five and a half hours.” After almost 4 months you celebrated your comeback and played 23 games until you lost the final against Klagenfurt. Why did you have to go under the knife again after that? “In the last games of the season I felt pain in my hand again. An examination revealed that the ligaments had torn again. Because I was against another ligament reconstruction, we decided to remove the proximal row of carpal bones. The operation was carried out again in Silandro on June 16th.” However, 3 months later you still can't play. Why is that? “The healing process initially made good progress. At some point, however, the pain began to bother me again. An X-ray examination revealed that the bone beneath the thumb had shifted due to severe scarring and was pressing on another bone. That's why I'm having a third operation next Thursday, September 23rd. During this relatively small procedure, the tip of the bone is removed.” Will you be able to play ice hockey again? “I’ve already asked myself this question. The doctors who treated me replied that they didn't know why I couldn't play ice hockey again. After all, the strength, stability and mobility in the hand are still there. Due to the severe pain, playing is currently out of the question.” “If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to get back into the game in December.” Ivan Tauferer When do you expect a comeback? “If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to get back into the game in December. After the operation I have to stop training for 2 weeks before I can start occupational therapy.” Change of topic. The ICEHL has expanded to 14 teams in recent months. Who are your favorites to win the championship? “It's the usual suspects who will be at the forefront. For me, Klagenfurt and Salzburg are the first contenders for the championship title. Vienna has lost several top performers and is difficult to assess. Villach should definitely not be underestimated.” How far can HCB South Tyrol go? “For me, the HCB is one of the closest favorites. Practically all players were retained in the attack, while several top-class players who also fit the bill were brought in for the defense. Goalkeeper Kevin Boyle has also already shown what he can do.” You recently sweated in the weight room and also met Doug Mason. What impression does the new coach from Bolzano make? “He is definitely different than his predecessor Greg Ireland. He is much calmer and seems to be a very sociable person.” With HC Pustertal there is a second South Tyrolean team in the ICEHL. What do you think the “Wolves” can do? "That is difficult to say. I think the “Wolves” will fight tooth and nail and try not to go under. There will be great euphoria around the team. One reason for this will also be the new arena.” How important is the return of fans to the stadiums? “I’m really pleased that we can play in front of spectators again. The fans in the stands are very important because they push us players to achieve our best. There was a strange atmosphere in the stadiums recently.” Interview: Kurt Platter

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. Klagenfurt	47	183:101	102
2. Fehervar	46	146:126	89
3. Salzburg	46	142:107	87
4. HCB South Tyrol	46	137:125	76
5. Linz	46	146:116	75
6. Villach	46	155:136	74
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3rd operation is pending: This is how Ivan Tauferer feels

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