21-year-old Thomas Klassek left Klagenfurt last year and completed his first season in the NCAA college league. The Carinthian showed good performances.
The former KAC crack played 34 games for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institure and became the third best scorer there with 18 points. Striker Luc Wilson came in first with 22 points. Austro colleague and “roommate” Ian Scherzer, who also completed his first NCAA year at the age of 20, scored nine points.
Conversion and development into a leader
A lot of things were new for the Klagenfurt native, including on the ice: “I had to play with a grid. With a full visor, my head is really buzzing when 5,000 to 8,000 spectators get started in the hall,” Klassek told the “Crown newspaper“.
RPI is pursuing a clear plan with the Austro-Defender: “They said that they are relying on younger people like me. And that I should become a leading player next year.” This year, Klassek was used in many different game situations and showed his qualities there. Of course, his performance also attracted the attention of NHL scouts.
Praise from the team boss
ÖEHV head coach Roger Bader also gave the 21-year-old a good rating: “Thomas has a good understanding of the game, shows good breakouts and acts cleverly in duels. He plays a huge role in the USA.”
Klassek is currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup in Switzerland with the ÖEHV selection. He has survived all three cuts so far and could therefore be close to making his World Cup debut. Will there ultimately be a place for the youngster? Four places are likely to be given to veteran Bernd Wolf, Thimo Nickl, David Maier and Clemens Unterweger, with whom Klassek last played together. Gregor Biber will join the team, Rögle is currently in the SHL final, where they are down 2-0 against Skelleftea.
Image: HCI/PAPA Productions
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