In the second part of the interview, Michael Raffl speaks about his time in the NHL. The 36-year-old tells about saved feelings that he found his own way and the ice hockey differences between Europe and North America.
You have completed over 600 NHL games for Philadelphia, Washington and Dallas: Are there any defining moments that you have particularly remembered?
Michael Raffl: “This is difficult to reduce to some things – basically it was the overall package. Every experience together results in an incredible story. If the career is completed at some point, you can review all of this in peace.”
What did you do for the North America adventure?
Michael Raffl: “I went with an attitude that I want to try this now and do my best. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work and in the worst case you will come back home. Then nobody is angry with you.”
How did you deal with the pressure to perform at the highest level?
Michael Raffl: “I didn’t feel it as a pressure. You just want to get better – and if you train with the best players in the world every day, you will automatically get better. You continue to develop as a person and player because you learn something new every day.”
Which goal or game will you remember the most?
Michael Raffl: “At first when you get the call-up, go to an NHL hall for the first time and know that you are playing now-I can remember this feeling. In general, I remember feelings: the feeling of scoring the first goal, or the feeling when you win an important playoff game.”
How has your role changed over the years?
Michael Raffl: “I was a center forward in all my youth, but Johan Strömwall then put me on the wing at VSV and gave me the chance to either play with two imports or in the first two storm rows. That worked out quite well at the time: I scored and scored a few goals. I had a similar role in Sweden. I was looking for the places.
Take any possible chance – is that a approach that you would give young players?
Michael Raffl: “In any case. There are many different ways. If you are good enough, score many goals and can keep it at NHL, I advise you to do this-because you earn the most money and you have the most fun. But no team only needs scorer. It is important that the team is successful and there are many different roles to fulfill.”
What differences have you experienced between Europe and the NHL?
Michael Raffl: “The competition in North America is much larger. You can hardly allow yourself three weak training sessions, otherwise someone takes over your place. It is a different pressure than in Europe, where you go and knows that the team is largely. That was a giant difference. In America it is always a business, the trades and much more. You are on the market and if you want to swap you. Just have to talk to your suitcases. “
And the fans?
Michael Raffl: “This is more beautiful in Europe. The commitment in Switzerland was an experience, you don’t forget that moments like that. If you come home from the away trip after a playoff series won and receive thousands of fans with Bengal fire, that was a big difference. In North America, it is more of popcorn and watching ice hockey, it is different in the playoff.”
Have you often been approached by fans in North America?
Michael Raffl: “I was not the person who was constantly the focus of the Flyers. But you spend a lot of time with your teammates, and if you were traveling with one of the stars, you were quickly recognized.”
Here is part 1 of the extensive interview with Michael Raffl.
Ice.Hockey, Image: https://www.facebook.com/dallasstars/
