“South Tyrolean ice hockey can be proud of Damian Clara”

Kerschbaumer and Swede Magnus Helin had the now 3-year-old under his wing for three years before he moved to Färjestad BK in Sweden last summer. In the following interview, Kerschbaumer describes his former protégé and says what he believes he can do.

You highly recommended that Damian Clara move to Salzburg to the Red Bull Hockey Academy. Where did you meet him?

Markus Kerschbaumer: “That was in Villach in the summer of 2018, where David Kickert ran a camp for goalkeepers and I helped him. At that time, 13-year-old Damian caught our attention not only because of his size, but above all because of his mobility and positional play. He wanted to move to Switzerland. I was the goalkeeping coach in Villach at the time and would have taken him straight away. But the problem was the school: we couldn't offer him anything in this regard. That's why I suggested he move to Salzburg. The following year we met again at the academy in Salzburg.”

How did you experience Damian Clara during your 3 years in Salzburg?

“South Tyrolean ice hockey can be proud of Damian. I first worked as a goalkeeper coach in 2005 and have seen and coached many goalkeepers since then, but Damian was something special. For his age he is already very advanced and, above all, mature. He knows exactly what he wants. He doesn't take orders; he thinks a lot and questions some things. He has made great progress in Salzburg under Magnus Helin, who is an absolute expert and takes care of the day-to-day work.”

Damian Clara moved from Salzburg to Sweden in the summer. © GEPA/M. binder

What sets the 18-year-old goalkeeper apart?

“There’s his size. If a goalkeeper is shorter than 1,86 meters, he usually has no chance at an NHL club. Unless he is an exceptional talent. Although Damian is almost 2 meters tall, he is very agile. He is a good skater and is great at reading a game. He is also very quick to react and has good positional play. Damian comes from a down-to-earth family. This is also an important factor for the development of the athlete, but also of the person. He actually has everything that characterizes a strong and modern goalkeeper.”

Clara is on the Central Scouting Service's January list. What do you think the chances are that the aspiring goalie will be drafted in Nashville at the end of June?

“I’m not a scout and I don’t know the North American market. But I know that there is a lot of interest in Damian from many NHL clubs. That's why I think the draft chances are good. But the draft is just the door to the NHL. If Damian isn't drafted this year, he'll definitely be drafted next year. It may be that his statistics in Sweden are not outstanding. But the statistics are dangerous: they are not only aimed at the goalkeeper individually, but are also a team statistic. The scout primarily asks himself how the goalkeeper or player looks against adults and whether he can still develop further. If that fits, then he has a great future ahead of him.”

Markus Kerschbaumer worked with Damian Clara for 3 years. © GEPA/M. binder

What do you think Clara will do in his future career?

"Everything. I am convinced that Damian will make his way. But that depends on many factors. On the one hand, he has to stay healthy, and on the other hand, he has to be in the right place at the right time. I definitely trust him to make the jump to the NHL.”

Where does Clara still need to improve?

“He needs to loosen up every now and then. You often have to slow him down. He also lacks experience with adults. But as I said: If Damian continues like this and has the necessary luck, then he can go very far.”

Interview: Kurt Platter

>>> Click here for the detailed portrait of Damian Clara

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“South Tyrolean ice hockey can be proud of Damian Clara”

Markus Kerschbaumer first met Damian Clara in Villach a good four years ago. In the summer of 4, the paths of the now 2019-year-old goalkeeper coach, who was between the posts in the then EBEL until 47, and the young goalkeeper from Reischach crossed again in Salzburg.

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