The road to the Olympics for the national team leads through fast play

Swiss Roger Bader, who, unlike his compatriot Roger Federer, prefers French elegance rather than English strength when pronouncing his first name (pronounced: Roschee), was quite satisfied the day after the first test against Slovenia. The game in Bled was won 2:1 in overtime after Marco Kasper secured the overtime in the 60th minute and the victory in the same period. “There were many things that I was happy with and of course the team had to find its feet first. The formations had not played together like that before, the players came together from all directions and we only had four training sessions.” Nevertheless, he saw himself as having a clear advantage in the first and last thirds – also measured in shots – although this also represents a shortcoming: the utilization of opportunities. “The flaw was that we did not win in regular time.” He nevertheless praises the way the victory was practically forced – the keeper was off the ice for the first goal – as a great moral boost, a boost to self-confidence.

No frills wanted

His team will be able to demonstrate this today in their second test against Slovenia in Graz (Merkur Ice Stadium, 16). Bader wants to see a more aggressive style of play when winning the puck, quick transitions and, at times, more clear consistency. “We were still a bit too playful, too convoluted and that always takes the pace out of the game.” Bader wants to see the simple and straightforward path in the Olympic qualification next week and the double goal scorer is also in line with this. “We want to show a good shooting mentality, but also win the duels,” says Kasper, “we want to move forward quickly and in a straightforward manner. We want to spend as little time as possible in our own zone.” Wearing the federal eagle on your chest is a special feeling that makes you proud. “I always really enjoy playing in a team and I enjoy going there.” The Detroit Red Wings player missed the last two World Championships. First he was injured (2023), then in the play-offs (2024). The 20-year-old feels comfortable alongside Lukas Haudum (99ers) and Johannes Bischofberger (KAC). “We are a fast line, but generally a fast team.”

Speed ​​will also be needed in the tournament next week, as only the winner will get one of the twelve places in the Olympic tournament in Milan. “It is the biggest tournament there is and really something special. But we are now thinking day by day and want to improve and develop.” In other words, after Slovenia, the first game in the Olympic qualification is against the hosts. Slovakia is also probably the strongest opponent on the way to the necessary group victory.

Kasper has not only developed enormously with his stick in recent years. He is a model athlete, edgy and confident. “I try to develop myself in the summer in terms of ice hockey technique and also physically. Nowadays, everyone looks after their body.” Lectures on proper nutrition offered by the clubs also help. It is unlikely that pastries will find a place in them. Nevertheless: “The cream slices were excellent,” says Bader with a laugh, “the whole team got one on the bus after the game.” The Klagenfurt native agreed with his boss with a grin: “If you’re in Bled, you have to eat a cream slice.”