Damian Clara is getting closer to the NHL

Damian Clara was drafted by the NHL's Anaheim Ducks in the second round on June 29, 2023, as the 60th overall player and the second South Tyrolean after Thomas Di Pauli. While the native of Kaltern has already played in the world's best league, the Puster Valley native still dreams of his NHL debut. In the following interview, the 6'6" (1,99 m) giant looks back on the past season, talks about the intensive preseason training, and his expectations with the San Diego Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks' AHL affiliate.

Looking back on the past season: What is your assessment?

Damian Clara: "I'm very satisfied with last season. I had many different experiences. On the one hand, I was able to play more games in the Svenska Hockeyligan (SHL), and on the other hand, the Olympic Games in Milan were an absolute highlight. Furthermore, at the end of the season, I got a taste of the NHL as the third-string goalie for the Anaheim Ducks. Even though I was only in the stands as a backup, it was a great experience. It was definitely a very educational season."

What was different about Brynäs compared to Färjestad before it?

Clara: “Every season is a new chapter in my career. I was a year older and therefore more mature. I learned a lot because the organization was very dedicated, placed their trust in me, and showed patience. They helped me in my development. Furthermore, there was good chemistry and a good atmosphere in the locker room.”

You spent the last four seasons in Sweden. What did you take away from that time?

Clara: "A great deal. I got to know a different culture and learned a new language. I was able to make the leap from junior to senior in a hockey-mad country and received excellent training. I learned to know and appreciate the Swedish hockey mentality and incorporated it into my game. The four years shaped me personally, but also in terms of my hockey skills. It was definitely the right decision to move to Sweden – I would do it all exactly the same way again."

Damian Clara is Italy's best goalie. © ANSA / CYRIL ZINGARO

As you mentioned, you were in goal for host nation Italy at the Olympic Games in Milan in February. What significance does this tournament hold in your career?

Clara: “It was by far the highlight of my career so far. After all, I haven't been in the senior category for very long. It's not a given that you can participate in such a high-class tournament at my age. Italy last participated in the Olympic Games 20 years ago. In 2006, I was just one year old.”

Three months later, Italy failed to stay in the top division at the World Championships in Fribourg. How great was the disappointment at the time?

Clara: "The frustration and anger were immense. After all, nobody wants to lose. We didn't go into the tournament to reach the quarterfinals, but to avoid relegation. Unfortunately, we didn't manage that. A win in the last game against Slovenia would have been enough to qualify for the tournament in Germany next year. But it wasn't meant to be."

When did you start preparing for the upcoming season?

Clara: “I prepared for the season the same way as in previous years with my personal coach, René Baur. I started training for the upcoming winter season just a few days after the World Championships and took a week's vacation in between. Initially, it was important to train off the ice so that my body, and especially my hips, which are particularly stressed during a goalie's season, could recover. From June 30th to July 3rd, I participated in the Anaheim Ducks' development program and got back on the ice for the first time.”

Clara in the San Diego Gulls jersey.

After returning to Europe, I participated in Martin Rabanser's "Goalie Camp" in Wolkenstein. There, I reunited with Maciej Szwoch, who was my goaltending coach at Färjestad and now works for the Ottawa Senators in the NHL. I owe him a great deal. Szwoch brought me to Sweden and taught me a lot. After that, I spent three days at a skills camp in Klagenfurt led by Yanick Dubè, and then I skated with Austrian NHL forward Marco Rossi in Feldkirch and later with HC Pustertal in Bruneck. Finally, I had the opportunity to participate as a guest in HC Lausanne's preseason camp. I owe that to Yanick Dubè, who was my coach at the Red Bull Academy in Salzburg and now works as a skills coach for Lausanne.

Next winter you'll be playing goalie for the San Diego Gulls in the AHL. When did you make that decision?

Clara: “At the beginning of this year, I decided together with the Anaheim Ducks management that I would continue my career in North America in the fall. The goal has always been to take the next step in Sweden and, once I've reached a certain level, to move to the USA. Now the time has come.”

San Diego is nothing new to you. After all, you've already guarded the goal there seven times in the past two years. What do you know about your new team?

Clara: "It's a young, hungry team that fits the Anaheim Ducks organization very well. The average age is 24. The roster includes many draft picks and several players my age. It's an inexperienced team, but one with a lot of talent and a strong will. I also know that Canadian Dave Manson has replaced American Matt McIlvane, who left for the Boston Bruins, as head coach. Manson was previously an assistant coach and worked on the defense for the Gulls. Jeff Glass, who spent a season in Linz, continues as the goaltending coach. I also know some of the players on the team. I played with Norwegian defenseman Stian Solberg at Färjestad and with Swedish forward Lucas Pettersson most recently at Brynäs."

How strong do you rate San Diego?

Clara: "I can't judge that. As I've already said, there's a lot of talent and skill in the team, but their weakness could be their inexperience and lack of maturity. Since the AHL is a development league, I can learn a lot. I'm curious to see where we'll end up."

Do you know if you are number 1 in San Diego?

Clara: "It's difficult to say. It's all new territory for me. But I'll go onto the ice with the mindset of fighting for my place. I've already met the 23-year-old Czech Tomas Suchanek. I also know who Laurent Brossoit is. The 33-year-old Canadian played in the NHL for many years, but has recently struggled with injuries."

How important is the upcoming season for you on your way to the NHL?

Clara: “Very important. Basically, every season is of great importance. I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go. It’s my first real experience in North America – I’m looking forward to it.”

When will you be traveling to the USA?

Clara: “I’ll be flying from Zurich to Los Angeles on August 20th and will initially continue my preparations in Montreal with a private goaltending coach before Rookie Camp begins in San Jose on September 11th. There, I’ll have several training sessions and games. Around September 20th, the Gulls’ training camp will begin. Since the championship starts on October 2nd, the preseason will only last two weeks.”

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Damian Clara is getting closer to the NHL

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