The allure of the big leagues
Created: 05/23/2022, 13:02
Florian Gaschke remains loyal to Grafing in the Oberliga.
© Rossman
Defender Kritzenberger and striker Gaschke extend contracts at EHC Klostersee
Grafing – While the joint summer training started a few days ago at EHC Klostersee, those responsible are also working on the squad at the same time.
As the ice hockey club from Grafing announced, with defender Marinus Kritzenberger and striker Florian Gaschke, two experienced forces have confirmed that they will stay.
"Both were important cornerstones on the way to success for us in the past championship season and I'm pleased that they are ready to take on the challenge one league higher after promotion," said EHC trainer Dominik Quinlan.
Center forward Gaschke as well as defender Kritzenberger went through ice hockey training in the youth squad in Rosenheim.
In the ranks of the Starbulls, the leap to the seniors also took place.
Third division and even DEL2 experience both have already gained in previous years.
Gaschke achieves an internal record after Pastachak
The attacker, who will be 28 in a month, moved from TEV Miesbach to Grafing three years ago within the Bayernliga.
"Gaschi is a great human fit for the squad, which is important to us with every new player, because team cohesion is one of our strengths, as became clear again last season.
Apart from that, he is technically adept, versatile and, with his understanding of the game and strong scoring record, an absolute asset on the offensive,” says head coach Quinlan, emphasizing his advantages.
With 41 appearances, Gaschke was one of the few who were able to take part in almost the entire compulsory game program in the championship season.
With 21 goals and 31 assists, 52 scorer points came together, the best internally after Lynnden Pastachak.
Defender Kritzenberger, since 2016 and thus the last league year so far at the Klosterseern, allowed himself a few days to think about it before the decision to continue was made.
According to reports, he would probably have hung up his skates if EHC stayed in the Bayernliga, "but playing in the Oberliga again is tempting," says Quinlan.
Almost thought about retiring professionally
The 31-year-old defender thought about retiring because of his job - for this reason he was "only" 31 times in action in the red and white jersey.
Now the self-employed construction engineer has recruited additional staff for his company and thus created a little more (ice hockey) free time.
"Kritzi is almost a veteran in the team, but definitely unique.
He's always in a good mood and positive mood.
As far as his performance is concerned, in my opinion he has improved again," says coach Dominik Quinlan.
Its enormous stability was shown above all after a few failures in defence, when a lot of ice time was required of the experienced forces.
"He's a real tower in the back just because of his stature and the range that goes with it when he extends his bat hand." ele