Eight years after his last short guest appearance in the Carinthian lower house, Roland Kaspitz is back – this time no longer as a player, but as a coach. The two-time VSV champion has been looking after Göriach in Division II Center since this season and is clearly enjoying his new role.
Beer mat contract and abrupt end
His last attempt in the House of Commons ended legendary – and quickly. In 2017, Kaspitz signed a “contract” on a beer mat at the Villach church convention to play for Zauchen. “After a few games I stopped – there were too many over-motivated people who went all in for me. I didn’t want to risk anything,” the now 44-year-old tells the “Kronen Zeitung” with a smile. Now, many years later, the former top striker is back without risk but with a lot of passion – behind the gang.
Baby happiness at home
Personally, things could hardly be better: son Theodor was born twelve weeks ago. “The time for visiting the VSV hall is becoming less and less,” laughs Kaspitz, who won the championship in 2002 and 2006 with current VSV sports director Herbert Hohenberger and also played with assistant coach Marco Pewal at the time.
“I’m glad I was a professional back then”
The jump from professional ice hockey in the 2000s to today is enormous, says Kaspitz. “We were able to toast with a beer in peace without being photographed straight away. Today the boys have to be a lot more careful.” He himself only took the step abroad late: “I only left when I was 31.”
“Abroad is often the best way”
Kaspitz sees today’s young talent as having a clear advantage – especially because international leagues are omnipresent in streaming. “For young players, going abroad is often the best chance of a breakthrough. In the domestic league they often can’t get past the old Austrians and Legionnaires.” The coach is particularly impressed by VSV’s top talent Paul Sintschnig (16): “A strong boy! He will go his own way – probably not for long in Villach.”
Pic:facebook.com/elvzauchen
