After many years in North America and Switzerland, Michael Raffl has switched to the EC Red Bull Salzburg this summer.
At the reigning champion of Win2day Ice Hockey League, the 36-year-old will play together with his brother Thomas in a club for the first time in 16 years. At the beginning of a three-part interview series, he talks about the special relationship between the two Raffl brothers.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Media Days of the Win2day Ice Hockey League took place in the Red Bull Akademie in Salzburg. You know such events only too well: necessary compulsory program or is such a day a bit of fun?
Michael Raffl: “It is certainly a must – but it is also fun. If you have to do it, you should at least do it with joy. I met some old acquaintances, for example, was able to chat with Daniel Woger again. We practically grew up together, have been very good friends for a long time, but have lost our eyes in recent years.” It was all the more beautiful to see him again. “
How does it feel that it is back in Austria in North America and Switzerland after so many years?
Michael Raffl: “It is unusual, something else – but it has beautiful pages. We are now closer to the family and especially Thomas. That is something that I was very lacking in the past decade.”
For the first time in 16 years you will play together with your brother Thomas in a club. How does that feel?
Michael Raffl: “I get this question often. For me, this is actually a minor. It is much more important that we are now so close again. He is my best friend, it was always like that and will always stay that way. It is cool that we can now do more, even with our children. That just fits perfect at the moment.”
Have you already settled in well?
Michael Raffl: “We have been here since July. My family is mostly in Villach, but they will soon go. I have already completed the summer training with the team and spent most of the time in Salzburg.”
Did you already have the opportunity to do something with your brother away from the ice?
Michael Raffl: “If my family is not there, of course I am looking for employment (laughs). Thomas is not a child of sadness – he always finds something: golfing, swimming or showing me Salzburg. We already have a dense program behind us.”
Thomas starts his 15th season at the Red Bulls and heads for his 1000th league game. How do you experience him in training?
Michael Raffl: “He always gives 100 percent – no matter what he does. It runs through his whole life. It is impressive to see how fit he is and with what ambition he goes into training. He is always passionate about it.”
You started your career in Villach, then went to Sweden at 22. Your brother had previously had foreign stations – could you benefit from his experiences?
Michael Raffl: “Of course I looked up a lot, but I wanted to go my own way. I could still learn from his time in Sweden. He played in the highest league – a huge step. I went to the second division, which gave me more ice age and the opportunity to develop myself as a player.”
Your development led from Villach to Sweden to the NHL. Were there big hurdles?
Michael Raffl: “It was less big chunks, but many little things and daily challenges. Anyone who goes away from home at a young age has these experiences. You have to find your way alone. But nothing was insurmountable.”
Ice.Hockey, Image: EC Red Bull Salzburg
