My dear Sholli: This is how the new Pusterer fan favorite ticks

One of the first rules aspiring journalists learn is: no name puns. Because whatever your name is, no one can do anything about it. In the case of Tomas Sholl, however, it is worth overlooking this unwritten law for once. Because “My dear Scholli” – this expression will always run through the head of one or two Wolves fans when they watch Tomas Sholl at work. The movements look spectacular, unconventional and sometimes a bit grotesque when the US boy goes biscuit hunting in his natural habitat. But, and that's what counts in the end: the goalie from California is successful - and how.

In the summer, the American was piloted to Bruneck with a Danish passport. He was said to have a lot of potential, but at the same time his commitment also came with a certain amount of risk. Justifiably so, because a look at his curriculum didn't reveal much that was impressive. 12 games in the AHL, 22 in the Slovakian top league, plus just over 100 in the ECHL, the third highest league in the USA. In 2019/20, Sholl was named the best goalie of the season. Honorable anyway, but is that enough to fill what is probably the most important position for the ICE newcomer?

Tomas Sholl, reliable support for HC Pustertal.

Well, shortly before the end of the basic passage, the answer to that is without ifs and buts: Yes! A catch rate of 92,3 percent is outstanding, especially considering that the Wolves goalie has by far the most ammunition fired at his goal with 1280 opponent shots. “I try to keep my game simple,” explains Sholl in an interview s+ . “I use some basic techniques, and if it doesn't work, I just have to find another way to hold the puck. Atypical, but effective,” is how the 27-year-old describes himself. Ice hockey player in a surfer town The story of Tomas Sholl begins in Hermosa Beach, a city of 20.000 inhabitants that is part of the metropolis of Los Angeles and is located on the coast of California. “This is not the typical ice hockey area, it is actually known for the beaches and the surfers,” explains the goalkeeper, who adds: “Ever since Wayne Gretzky played for the Los Angeles Kings in the 90s, ice hockey has been in my life Homeland is experiencing a huge upswing.” “It’s a bit of a family tradition for us.” Tomas Sholl about the goalkeeper position It was clear to the curly-haired boy early on that he didn't see his future on a surfboard, but in an ice palace. Or rather, in a semicircle approximately one square meter in size, which is sealed by a rectangular aluminum housing with a goal net. “My father was a goalie, my father's father was a goalie, my brother is a goalie. That's why it was always clear to me that I would also become a goalkeeper. “It’s a bit of a family tradition for us,” the US boy has to smile.

Sholl in his element: The US boy is a gifted goalie. © Optic Rapid / Iwan Foppa

However, its roots cannot be overlooked. If you talk to die-hard ice hockey connoisseurs in the Pustertal, Sholl is described as a typical American surfer boy. He is open to everything, gets along well with everyone, and is the kind of guy you would like to have a beer with and philosophize about God and the world. From a sporting perspective, he is described as a workhorse who puts in every training session like no other. So it's no wonder that “Sholly” is held in high regard by Wolves fans. His great love comes from the other side of the USA It's the same the other way around: Sholl feels right at home in the Pustertal. “Bruneck is a great city,” explains the goalie. The mountains are “great”, everything here is “a lot of fun”. The left-handed catcher has already settled in well in South Tyrol with his wife Delaney, who is also his childhood sweetheart. The two met at Bowling Green University in Ohio, where he laid the foundation for his ice hockey career and she - a talented volleyball player - trained as a graphic designer.

Tomas Sholl (right) with wife Delaney and dog Rhaegar.

Although Tomas is from California and Delaney is from Florida, which is on the other side of the United States, they remained a couple after college and got married last summer. A favorite activity here in South Tyrol? “Going on excursions in beautiful nature with our Labrador Rhaegar,” says Sholl enthusiastically. He even set up his own Instagram page for his little four-legged friend. A special “Italian ancestor” Otherwise, the HCP goalie likes to take it easy off the ice. “The food here is fantastic. And I like reading, no matter what. My mother is from Denmark, so I’m currently learning some Danish,” explains Sholl. But his extended family history still holds a curiosity. “Everything just fits here.” Tomas Sholl “My wife’s uncle’s name is Kirt Bjork. “He used to be an ice hockey player who also played in Italy,” remembers Sholl, but he needs a little encouragement so that he can choose the right team. “It was Alleghe, exactly! I think he was also quite successful.” Quite successful is a slight understatement: Bjork was a guest at Alleghe for one season in the 80s and scored a short and small success in Serie A, with 45 goals and 97 points in 28 games prove.

Bjork has left his mark - just like Tomas Sholl, who is already one of the outstanding personalities at this year's HC Pustertal. So it's no wonder that he extended his contract with the Wolves for another year in mid-January, becoming the team's first player ever. “What can I say, everything is just right here,” says Hexer from Pusteria, once again putting on his typical Californian surfer smile.

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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My dear Sholli: This is how the new Pusterer fan favorite ticks

HC Pustertal has a chance of making the playoffs in its debut season in the ICE Hockey League. Goalie Tomas Sholl, who hit Bruneck like a bomb, played a big part in this. But what makes the Wolves goalkeeper really tick?

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