Löwen newcomer Reid Gardiner (24) is getting better and better after recovering from an injury and is happy to have decided for the Tölz team: "Pflegei is a very, very good playmaker"
Bad Tölz - Reid Gardiner is next to Kenney Morrison the second new signing at the import points.
The 24-year-old Canadian completed the preseason in Düsseldorf, paused in Tölz initially due to an injury, but is now getting better and better, as his three-pack against Heilbronn and the scorer list document.
Employee Oliver Rabuser spoke to the powerful striker.
How have you settled in Bad Tölz?
So far everything is fine.
I got to know my teammates better and of course - as far as the Corona measures make it possible - explored the city.
There is nothing to complain about, everything is good.
I really like the region.
A three-pack against the Heilbronn falcons
Their debut is impressive: a three-pack against Heilbronn, two goals against Bietigheim and two assists against Crimmitschau.
Yes I am satisfied.
Overall, it was a good start to the season for me personally.
Of course, I also play with good people here, I'm pretty happy about the first games.
Against Bayreuth and Crimmitschau you were only one of 13 field players, and yesterday in Weißwasser it didn't look any better in terms of personnel. How do you experience this persistent staff shortage?
It's OK.
This means there is a lot more ice age for everyone who is left.
As a result, one expects everyone to pull together.
The train of thought with eight strikers has to be simple: "I'm next on the ice and have to do my job - no matter who can play and who can't."
Nine months of no competition hockey, little training, plus the injury to the groin. How much do you get out of rhythm as a young player?
It was a bit difficult to get back in, that's clear.
The first couple of games I had to get used to the speed of the sport again.
But I think I settled in pretty quickly on the ice and worked hard beforehand to get into the best possible shape.
It feels pretty good now.
Coach Kevin Gaudet sees you at about 70 percent of your capabilities. Can that work?
I think that's pretty good.
Maybe a little more now.
Game after game it gets better and I now feel quite safe on the ice again.
The goalkeepers in DEL 2 are very good
You played in the DEL last year. What difference have you made to the DEL 2 so far?
What I can say: the goalkeepers are good.
I think there are a few more big chances in DEL 2. If you get such a chance, as a striker it's your job to sink it.
But the goalies are good and the players are very good at skating.
In general, this is something I learned in European ice hockey: Everyone can ice skate very well and that makes quick moves.
What drove you to sign with a second division team as last year's DEG top scorer? Do you regret it now that the DEL is playing?
No i don't regret it.
With all the madness all around, I just needed a bit of security over the summer.
I just wanted to play ice hockey this year.
Corona also had a significant impact on ice hockey, so safety was important to me.
Bad Tölz was the best option and I'm glad I chose the Löwen.
Did you have to think long and hard about returning to Germany because of the uncertain corona situation?
No not true.
In Canada you have to wear a face mask everywhere we go - and it's very similar here.
You have to be as careful as you can.
Washing hands, just dealing with the pandemic smart.
But I didn't have any reservations about coming to Europe.
You cheer your goals rather cautiously. Are the fans missing or is this your way of celebrating successful moments?
I don't have any real cheers that I do after every goal.
I think it just depends on the situation.
If we take the lead through my goal, I'll celebrate it more.
But sometimes there is no need to exaggerate.
As long as the rows don't necessarily rotate, you play with Marco Pfleger and Max French. Your trio has scored 59 points so far, including the second hit yesterday evening. You seem to get on well with your fellow men ...
Max French is a phenomenal ice skater
I think we play well together.
Max is a phenomenal ice skater who can quickly conquer the discs and carry them on.
And Pflegei is a very, very good playmaker.
If I can run free and get into a shooting position, my teammates usually find me too.
The Corona requirements currently do not allow much public life. How do you pass the time next to the ice surface?
I'll answer with my hobbies from the Corona year: Currently a lot of film shows, I also like music: rap, country, hip hop.
Every now and then just play a little bit on the Xbox.
At the moment everything is of course a bit limited, so just hang out and relax between games.
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Former Löwen goalkeeper Viona Harrer fulfills a childhood dream in the bakery
