Tommy Purdeller and the NHL dream

Ice hockey players in Italy are not blessed with luck. Resources are scarce, training methods are outdated and the chances of eventually making it into a major foreign league from the boot state are zero. That's why those local talents who decide to pursue a sporting career almost always seek their fortune abroad. There, sophisticated concepts and an interwoven system that extends from schools to youth teams to professional clubs ensure that their development is rapid.

At the age of 14, after attracting attention at a tournament with the South Tyrol squad, Purdeller decided to join the ice hockey academy in Salzburg. “I think it was definitely the right decision. Everything suited me straight away: the academy, the facilities are simply great. I'm happy to have come here," enthuses Purdeller, who adds: "If you want to be successful in ice hockey these days, unfortunately you have to leave Italy."

Aiming high: Tommy Purdeller © Tommy Purdeller

The striker from St. Lorenzen spent four seasons in the city of Mozart. The last season was a special one for the 18-year-old in a certain way, as he played with the Young Bulls in the Alps Hockey League in the senior level for the first time: “At the beginning I had to change, the game is played quite differently than in the youth,” says Purdeller. Everything happens much faster and you have less time to make decisions. “I think the AlpsHL is a good league for young players because you can take the next step relatively quickly.” Jump to Canada However, if everything goes according to plan, the right-handed shooter will compete against players of the same age again in the new season. Purdeller was selected at the CHL Import Draft at the beginning of July Drawn in 15th place by the Peterborough Petes. This draft will select players not active in North America who are eligible to play in one of Canada's three major junior leagues between teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Major Hockey League (QMJHL). divided up. Through the draft, the teams secure the rights to the players, but they are not obliged to actually play for the team. “I could also stay in Salzburg for another season and finish school,” explains Purdeller, although this alternative is not an option for him.

“My plan is to play for Peterborough in the OHL in the new season. I want to compete with the best players of my age. When an opportunity like this presents itself, you have to seize it,” emphasizes Purdeller, who is currently in talks about his contract. “If everything goes well, I’ll play for the Petes in the future.”

But how should you imagine such a draft? “I played well at the U18 World Cup. My agent then reported interest from Canadian clubs and asked me if I was also interested. This is how discussions began with the clubs, coaches and sporting directors. “I knew a few days before the draft which direction it was going to go,” explains the South Tyrolean. “The goal is of course the NHL.” Tommy Purdeller In the OHL, possibly the best junior league in the world, Purdeller doesn't just want to be a follower: “I want to play a role, take control of the game and fight my way up year after year. The goal is of course the NHL,” says the Purdeller, who “will do his best and doesn’t want to look too far ahead, but wants to concentrate on the here and now.” And that is the OHL. Return to HCP? Although it probably won't happen in the near future, Purdeller can definitely imagine a return to HC Pustertal. “I follow Wolves’ results, it still interests me. At home, in front of my own family and the fans, I want to play again. That would be a cool thing,” concludes Purdeller.

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Tommy Purdeller and the NHL dream

Playing ice hockey is his passion, the NHL is his big dream. A dream that he recently took a small step closer to. About Tommy Purdeller and his rapid rise.

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