He was champion with Red Bull Salzburg and the KAC – now Christoph Duller (31) is making a surprising return to the ice! The former defender is about to make his comeback at EC Althofen in the Carinthian League Division I. And he has an old friend to thank for that: Kevin Schettina.
“I always said: If I make a comeback, it will be where the Schette plays,” laughs Duller to the “Kronen Zeitung”. The two have known each other since their youth in Salzburg, played side by side for years – and to this day they have more in common than just sport. “He’s part of the family. We’re united by the same basic values - and many evenings with a glass of wine or beer,” says the two-time Salzburg champion and 2019 title holder with the KAC.
Family, work – and now ice hockey again
Since the end of his career in 2020, Duller has worked professionally as an insurance broker in Viktring. He enjoys family life with his wife Lisa and son Fabio (3) – and in the meantime even discovered cross-country skiing. “Fabio never saw his dad as an ice hockey player – now he’s almost more happy than I am,” laughs Duller.
Things will get serious on Sunday against Zeltweg: Then the returnee will celebrate his comeback for Althofen. “I’ve been on the ice maybe three times in the last few years, but I haven’t forgotten anything. I’m just a little out of breath – but it’ll come back,” he says with a wink.
“I’ve only had chemistry like that once”
The returnee is particularly impressed by the team feeling: “I’ve only had such good chemistry once in my career – at the KAC under Pellegrims. Back then we lost the final against Vienna 4-0, but it still felt like a title.” With this attitude, Duller now wants to move forward in Althofen – and give his team new impetus with routine, passion and experience.
www.sport-bilder.at
