A South Tyrolean at an NHL club: Damian Clara's big moment

The first step has been taken: Damian Clara has become the second South Tyrolean to be drafted by an NHL organization. Thomas Di Pauli (11) achieved this for the first time 2012 years ago in the 4th round (Washington Capitals), now the 18-year-old goalkeeper talent can be mentioned in the same breath as Di Pauli. The future home of the 1,99 meter tall goalie may therefore be in Anaheim with the Ducks, as he was selected by this team in the second round at position 60. For the aspiring top athlete, this is the fulfillment of a childhood dream and a fantasy that every ice hockey-loving child would be only too happy to fulfill.

After the eventful first day of the draft on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, in which the teams fought over the super talents Connor Bedard, Matvei Michkov and Leo Carlsson, everything was open as usual on the second day. Over another six rounds, almost 200 players were able to hope that their name would be called into the microphone by a representative of a top club. After strong performances with the U20 team of the Swedish top club Färjestads BK last season, Clara had good chances and his big moment was not long in coming. The South Tyrolean was selected as pick number 60 by the Anaheim Ducks.

The second pick of this year's draft, Leo Carlsson, also went to the Ducks. © APA / BRUCE BENNETT

Clara stood up, hugged his family and friends, confidently made her way towards his new team and put on his new orange and black jersey - as if it were a normal Thursday evening. This shows the self-confidence and maturity of the South Tyrolean. After Adam Gajan (to Chicago), Trey Augustine (to Detroit) and Carson Bjarnason (to Philadelphia), the South Tyrolean was the fourth goalkeeper to be claimed by a team.

Clara joins an organization that won the Stanley Cup in 2007, but has recently been at the bottom of the NHL food chain. But that could be a blessing for the 18-year-old. The Ducks are currently hoarding a wealth of talent and have proven themselves to be a successful talent factory in recent years. The path to the stars is paved for Clara. But the final leap into the best league in the world still has to be achieved. With good performances, Clara can recommend herself for a place in goal in Anaheim in the next few years.

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A South Tyrolean at an NHL club: Damian Clara's big moment

On Thursday evening the time had come. At the 2023 NHL draft in Nashville, the name of South Tyrolean Damian Clara rang through the hall - a historic moment.

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