Dennis Neal moves from ECDC Memmingen to Peiting. In the interview, he talks about his decision, the family and unpleasant memories of the ECP.
Peiting - Dennis Neal is the only new addition to EC Peiting in this transfer period. He moved from ECDC Memmingen to Peiting, where he played for a short time in the 2009/10 season. The Peißenberger, who was born, also played for the Tölzer Löwen, the "Eisackler" Peißenberg, who are now being trained again by his father Randy Neal, and the HC Landsberg. The 28-year-old defender lives in Epfach and is no stranger to the region. In the interview, he talks about his change and heated duels.
Mr. Neal, how did you move from Memmingen to Peiting?
The jump from the Bayernliga from Landsberg to the Oberliga to Memmingen was great. Sporty was exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed playing in Memmingen. But the commute with a simple distance of around 50 minutes was difficult to reconcile with the family in the long run. Around Christmas my three children asked: "Daddy when are you coming back from training?" It was heartbreaking. I already stretched my feelers towards Peiting during the season because ice hockey is simply more compatible with my family and my job in Schongau.
How was your athletic career and what did you take with you at your stations?
I was in the Oberliga in Bad Tölz for four years, then four in the Bayernliga with Peißenberg and Landsberg and finally again in the Oberliga with Memmingen. I enjoyed it at all of the clubs and had a lot of fun at each of my stations. Each of them has brought me further and was important for my athletic development.
You have often played against peiting. What are your memories of these derbies?
It was always difficult to play against Peiting, whether away or at home. It was mostly a hot game. There were always top-solid goalkeeper performances on both sides. I always enjoyed playing against peiting.
Were there any special duels with Peitinger strikers?
In Tölz times, Manni Eichberger and Florian Stauder were my absolute “hate opponents”. They were not only strong in terms of floor technology, they were also physically present. As a defender you were challenged. A duel could hurt.
Have you already played with ECP players and do you know coach Sebastian Buchwieser?
After my DNL time in Tölz eleven years ago I tried the leap at the ECP in the Oberliga. But then I'm back to Tölz quickly. From that time I know Tim Rohrbach, Fabian Weyrich and Florian Stauder (changed to Füssen. Editor's note). I played inline hockey with trainer Sebastian Buchwieser.
Not much can be said about the new ECP team. What is your assessment, what is possible and what do you think about the Oberliga?
With the ECP, I want to be at the forefront. But I cannot say how strong the Oberliga will be in the coming season. With the corona pandemic, you don't really know what the other clubs are doing. So it can be a really nice surprise bag.
How do you keep fit in the Corona crisis?
I do a lot of freeletics, i.e. training with my own body weight. In addition, endurance training with mountain running, running or cycling. I also have some dumbbells at home.
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