Marco Rossi is in the spotlight. As a young player, he has to endure a lot. And above all join in.
The young Vorarlberger is drafted this year. It is not a secret. In the current NHL Draft Ranking it is listed in fifth place.
servushockeynight.com spoke to the star of the Ottawa 67s,
Erich Hober-Lipouschek: At Christmas you were at home with your family in Vorarlberg. Good to have been home again?
Rossi: Yes, that was very good for me.
You’re in the middle of season two in Canada. A look at the statistics shows that you are fine. What is your personal impression?
In my first year here in Canada, I didn’t really know what was going on and how it all worked. But the first year or the first season helped me a lot. I knew what was going to happen before the season started. I now know the circumstances.
What has changed for you compared to the first season in Ottawa?
I have certainly become much stronger and faster. I also think I’ve become smarter in the game.
Unlike in Austria, junior hockey is followed with much greater interest in Canada. Because of your performance, you are the focus.
Yes, definitely. Even we junior players are very popular here. The Canadians are interested in ice hockey. You are recognized everywhere.
You are already being prepared for the possible hardships in the NHL in the youth leagues. Keyword: long journeys.
In Switzerland trips of around five hours were common. Here in Canada it can take 13 hours. I usually spend this time sleeping or listening to music.
Speaking of recognizing. The scouts track your games, your development. You know that you are at the top of the draft lists. Does that create additional pressure?
I never have pressure. When I think I might be playing badly, I’m playing badly. I’m not worried. I go on ice and play.
The NHL Scouts have been besieging you for weeks. How do you deal with it?
There are countless NHL scouts in every game. I always have an interview after a game. This can often take an hour. Every NHL team sends scouts. Everyone is interviewed. In the meantime, I’ve got almost everyone through.
It should also come to – let’s say – strange questions …
That’s true. Pretty much everything is asked. You want to see how to react, what personality a player has.
What was the strangest question you were asked?
Would I hit my mom to win?
Do you show the bird to the scout or how do you react to it? What was your answer
One thing was clear to me: I would rather lose than beat my mother. There really is no discussion.
The Top Prospects Game, the game of Draft Prospects games, will take place shortly. When did you hear about your participation and how are you with the nomination?
I read about it on Twitter almost a week before Christmas. If you see who has participated and played in the past, it is a great honor for me.
The Top Prospects Game will take place on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton / Ontario. In addition to Marco Rossi, too Thimo Nickl participate in this prestigious game.
Even the former KAC-Young players are excited about the nomination for the Top Prospects Game: “This invitation is incredible for me. I didn’t expect it, so I was very surprised and incredibly proud. I think I’ve come a little closer to the goal. But the season is still long and I haven’t achieved anything yet. ”
VSV: Portrait of Martin Ulmer
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