Anton Bernard: “Sometimes it was borderline”

In the following interview, Bernard talks about what a derby is all about, how he assesses his former teams' chances and who will leave the ice as winners on Sunday.

Mr. Bernard, how much do you miss ice hockey: Are you already having withdrawal symptoms?

Anton Bernard: "No. No way. I am at peace with my decision. I prepared very well for it and I can say that I don't miss ice hockey. Plus, I'm not completely away from the window. Finally, 10 days ago I commented on the game between HC Pustertal and Linz as an expert for Puls24. I will continue to comment on a game once a month in the future.”

What's better: working as an ice hockey professional or as a financial consultant?

“There are many parallels between these two jobs. As a financial advisor, I have to prepare well for client meetings. These are a bit like an ice hockey game, where the motto here is: win or fly. The only real difference is that as a professional ice hockey player I was physically active and now I spend a lot of time in an office chair. I miss the sporting balance. I currently do relatively little sport. I do a little gymnastics at home or sit on the spinning bike. But I also have to say that I really enjoy not having to train every day.”

Are you still in touch with your former teammates?

"In any case. I regularly communicate with my brother Andreas and Daniel Frank via WhatsApp or Instagram. We also hear each other from time to time. Contact has not been broken with some other players either. I saw my former teammates at the team presentation and at the preparatory game against Ambri Piotta.”

Change of subject: How do you rate your former club's first 5 games of the season?

“So far I have only seen the one game against Ambri. I really liked the HCB there: very solid and consistent in defense and very straightforward and cold-blooded in attack. Despite the slip-up against Vorarlberg, which can happen, my former team started the season very well and leaves me wanting more. I have a lot of confidence in her.”

It's derby time again on Sunday. What significance does the derby between HC Pustertal and HCB have?

“The derby is always a unique experience. When both teams were still playing in Serie A, the stadiums were sometimes borderline crowded. It was almost normal to get a beer from the stands. Now things are more civilized in the stands, although the expectations of the fans are still higher than those of the players. But emotions can also spill over onto the ice. It was always difficult for me to convey to the new players the great importance of the derby.”

Bolzano versus Brunico: The South Tyrolean derby also electrifies ice hockey fans in the country in the ICE. © I. Foppa

Why is the derby more than just a game?

“It is more than a game because it is also about pride and honor. It is pushed in advance by the media. And even after the final siren, everyone is still talking about the game for days. In any case, it was always a huge satisfaction when you won the derby.”

How did you experience the games against the HCP as an active player?

“I was always looking forward to it. The derby has always had a high priority, although I prepared the same as I would for any other game. The journalists asked more questions in advance and made the stadium glow before kick-off. For me it was always something special. I really wanted to win it and gave 10 percent more than usual.”

Which derby do you remember most?

“Of course, the four derbies last season are freshest in my memory, even if I don’t have fond memories of them. There were many great derbies and I also scored a goal or two against HC Pustertal. Something special was of course the final series in the 4/2011 season, when we became champions with a 12-4 win. But it certainly wasn't a 0-4 series. The “Wolves” put up a good fight and demanded everything from us.”

Last season, newcomers HC Pustertal celebrated three wins and one defeat against the two-time title holders HCB Südtirol. How painful was that?

“For me as captain, the three defeats were a slap in the face. We tried and did everything to win the derbies. Unfortunately we only managed one win. Of course I would have preferred to win three games. The defeats are still a thorn in my side, even though I sleep well and haven't gotten any gray hair as a result. The derby defeats somehow fit well with the messed up season.”

How does the 187th derby between HC Pustertal and HC Bozen end?

"That's a good question. After the mixed start to the season, HC Pustertal will be desperate to make amends and throw everything into the balance. The HCB certainly cannot and will not underestimate the opponent. I expect a balanced game that Bolzano will win 4-3.”

In the first part, ex-Wolves captain Armin Hofer spoke about his derby experiences.

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. EC Klagenfurt	48	183:121	97
2. EC Salzburg	48	173:130	95
3. HCB South Tyrol	48	155:113	93
4. Linz	48	155:121	88
5. EC Villach	48	173:143	86
6. Graz99ers	48	149:121	86
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Anton Bernard: “Sometimes it was borderline”

On Sunday the first ICE derby of the season will take place in Bruneck between HC Pustertal and HC Bozen. Last year's HCB captain Anton Bernard explains why the derby between HC Pustertal and HCB Südtirol is something special. Bernard also talks about his current life.

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