Matthias Mantinger is full of enthusiasm. © af/SN

“It’s about time”: Mantinger wants to take on responsibility in Bruneck

Matthias Mantinger has had a difficult year: he had a disappointing season with HC Pustertal, he was not considered for the World Cup, and there were hardly any personal experiences of success. But all of that has been wiped away for the 27-year-old.

July 26, 2023

We met Matthias Mantinger at the national team's training camp in Fondo, in the Non Valley not far from his home town of Kaltern, and discovered: The HCP striker is ready for the next step in his career. “Manta” reveals how he plans to approach this in the interview below.

Matthias Mantinger, you have regular ice under your feet for the first time in almost five months. How is the feeling?

“It's just great to hear the sound of the runners again. The summer with all the dry training is just dragging on, so this preparation camp comes at just the right time.”


How did you keep fit?

“In Bruneck we have been training five to six times a week for some time. The program is getting off to a good start, our athletic trainer Renè Baur is doing it super professionally. We did a lot of muscle building, but also worked on our fitness with endurance and tempo runs.”


Are you already thinking about the B World Championships in Bolzano next year during the training camp here in Fondo?

"Yes, of course! I think all the players here are working towards that goal. After not being able to take part in the last World Cup, I really hope to be able to compete this time. It’s now up to me to impose myself here in training, in the preparation games and at HC Pustertal.”


Speaking of Pustertal: Has the past year of epidemics been ticked off?

“Of course it’s still somewhere in the back of my mind. We simply missed a really big opportunity. But the next one is just around the corner – and I promise: this year we want to do better.”

“Attention: Last season we also had a really strong team on paper.” Mantinger about the prominent HCP newcomers

Your club has strengthened itself with experienced, well-known players. How did you observe the transfer activities?

“As a player, you obviously look at it, especially when such well-known names are signed. But be careful: on paper we had a really strong team last season too. That doesn't mean anything. It is important that we grow together as a team and that everyone delivers their own services. But it certainly plays into our hands that most of the new recruits this year already have European experience. They will help us move forward straight away.”


Now, however, it is not just the new recruits who are being challenged, but also the local permanent staff. Will you take on more responsibility?

"In any case! That's a good point you raise. I'm 27 years old and no longer one of the really young people. It's time for me to take the next step, act as a role model and take on responsibility. I'm not a big man, but I can lead the way on the ice. And I’m determined to do that.”

Matthias Mantinger wants to be at the forefront of the HCP. © Iwan Foppa/Optic Rapid

How much are you looking forward to the start of training in Brunico?

"I'm really happy. It starts next week, then I can be on the ice again with my boys and at the same time get to know the many new faces on the team better. The preparation phase is an extremely intense, strenuous time, but somehow I always enjoy it.”


Finally, would you like to send a message to the HCP fans?