Before the duel: This is how VSV goalie Bernard assesses HC Pustertal

On Friday, the 31-year-old from Kalter will welcome HC Pustertal with the VSV. How the Italian national goalkeeper has settled in in Villach, how he assesses his chances against the Wolves, what goal he wants to achieve with the Carinthians and who his favorites for the championship title are, can be read in the following interview. S+: How did you settle in at Villacher SV?

Andreas Bernard: “I was received very well and feel completely at home. I quickly felt at home at VSV. It's like a big family. I live in Velden am Wörthersee. I can get to the stadium in around 20 minutes by car.”

When are your wife and your 2 children coming to Carinthia?

“As it currently stands, they will only come to visit. My wife is currently training to become a nurse and has a 7-week internship. The children are already going to school. I hope they can come to me in December for 3 or 4 weeks. After all, I already miss them. So I concentrate fully on the sport. But it will definitely be boring in winter.”

At the start of the season, Villach lost against Fehervar 1:5, although they had a catch rate of “only” 85,7 percent. What was going on in Hungary?

“In Szekesfehervar, nothing came together for us. We weren't ready. None of us reached normal form. The Hungarians, on the other hand, came up trumps and proved to be a fast and strong team that can definitely surprise this year.” “The first two Pusterer lines are very strong.” Andreas Bernard about the HCP 2 days later you blocked all 2 shots in the 0-24 home win against Linz and celebrated a shutout. What went better on Sunday?

“After the messed up start, we immediately wanted to make amends. We started the game well and dominated it for the entire 60 minutes. The only drawback: Despite our great superiority, we only scored 2 goals. Linz tried to unsettle us with a tough style of play. But we didn’t fall for the provocations.”

On Friday the HC Pustertal comes to the town hall. Did you plan on getting 3 points against the newcomer?

“The three points are of course our goal, but by no means a sure-fire success. We certainly cannot and will not underestimate the newcomer. After all, he won at the start in Bratislava and also held his own against Fehervar for 3 minutes.”

In preparation, your team celebrated a 5:3 and 4:1 win against the wolves.

“You can’t compare preparation games with championship games. HC Pustertal is a different team than it was two weeks ago. The first two Pusterer lines are very strong. We can't give them too much space. In addition, the Wolves, who play more defensively and are very dangerous on the counter-attack, have a good power play, which is why we have to stay away from the penalty box. Andreas Bernard has settled in well at VSV. © René Krammer

With Raphael Andergassen and Matthias Mantinger you face two Kalterer strikers today. Did you have contact with both of them beforehand?

"Actually not. In Brunico we spoke briefly after the game. I'm glad to see you again. There is no bet or anything like that.”

What do you think the Wolves can do in their debut season in the ICE?

“I am convinced that the HCP can keep up in the league. The new stadium will give the team and the entire surrounding area a boost and spark euphoria. I am of the opinion that it will be a very even championship in which everyone can win against everyone. The first two rounds have already proven that.” “I hope we win the games against my brother Anton’s team.” Andreas Bernard on playing against his brother and Foxes captain Along with Brett Flemming, Joel Broda and Rick Schofield, you are one of four ex-Bozen players at VSV who were one of the transfer kings in the summer. What are the goals of your new club?

“We want to achieve a top 6 place and thus qualify directly for the quarter-finals. Anything is possible in the playoffs.”

Last year you played 10 games for HCB Südtirol. Are you surprised that he started the season with 2 wins?

"That does not surprise me. The HCB has already delivered strong performances in the Champions Hockey League. My former team has remained almost unchanged and can play an important role again. Nevertheless, I hope that we win the games against my brother Anton’s team.”

Who are your favorites to win the championship?

“I think that last year's finalists Klagenfurter AC and HC Bozen can once again be at the forefront. My secret favorite is Fehervar.”

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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Before the duel: This is how VSV goalie Bernard assesses HC Pustertal

5 goals conceded at the start in Szekesfehervar, no goals conceded in the home premiere in Villach: the first 2 games for Andreas Bernard in the Villacher SV goal couldn't have been more different.

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