Lions striker Tyler McNeely in an interview about his comeback, his offspring and his buddy Shawn Weller.
Bad Tölz - only eighth best scorer within the team - this is a completely strange situation for Tyler McNeely.
The reason for the suboptimal condition was an arm injury that had put the 33-year-old out of action for weeks at the beginning of the year.
Father anticipation in the final stages made the forced break a little more bearable for McNeely: A good two weeks ago, daughter Lenox Alene saw the light of day.
Mister McNeely, what about arm injuries?
Is everything okay again?
Yes, everything is perfect.
I have no more problems.
Doctor and physio did a great job getting me back on the ice.
Have you already had similar serious breaks in the course of your career?
That was definitely the longest injury break, and during that time it was tough for me not to really be part of the team.
Still, you will have sleepless nights ...
(laughs) Yeah, I really haven't slept much lately.
It's great to be a father.
Having a child is an indescribable story.
I enjoy it a lot and it's a whole new experience.
One that has an impact on your athletic career?
Or to put it another way: Would you like to continue to be part of the lion team in the coming season?
In fact, I would love to stay.
We have a lot of friends here and we really like it.
The city is just great.
I hope we have another good year.
During your injury, you were represented by Mario Lamoureux, whom the fans would have liked to see longer.
How do you rate your substitute?
Having five import players is always a great situation.
Even if someone always has to go to the bank.
Mario is a great guy, he did a great job here.
Immediately after your comeback, you scored a double against Landshut and Frankfurt.
Does that have a positive effect on your form after such a long break?
The two two-goal games definitely helped get back into rhythm.
Scoring a few points and helping the team takes the pressure off you, but it also helps you personally.
Lately, the number of wounds that are typical of a short bench increased.
An even higher intensity can be expected in the play-offs.
Can the lions do that at all?
When you have so many games, injuries can always happen.
You still have to be prepared for the play-offs.
There, too, the breaks will be short.
Mentality is an important factor here.
We try to keep having fun in the cabin and enjoy the whole thing.
The lions have been surprising people almost without ceasing since mid-December.
In your opinion, what is possible in the play-offs?
You can't predict.
We have to find a way for ourselves in every match.
That's all we can do.
Before the season started, the teamwork with her buddy Shawn Weller that had proven itself over many seasons ended somewhat abruptly.
How did the first time as "separated twins" feel, and are you still in contact with Shawn?
Indeed, it was difficult at first not to have him here.
We have always played well together for a long time.
Of course it's a shame not to have him here in Tölz.
Still, you just have to keep going, keep playing and do what you can.
I am still in contact with him.
He and his fiancée are fine at home.