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"Pressure is a privilege"
Monday, 23. February 2026 |

Interview with Michael Raffl

"Pressure is a privilege"Michael Raffl has arrived in Salzburg// Player interviewHis announcement last summer caused quite a stir. The forward, who held his own in the NHL and the Swiss National League for many years, is continuing his impressive career in Salzburg and living up to the expectations placed upon him.
Next home game On 1 March vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck "Die Haie" | 5.30 p.m.
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There aren't many Austrian players who make it to the best ice hockey league in the world, build a solid reputation there for nine years (!), and then – after three years in the top Swiss league, the National League – return to the domestic ICE Hockey League and continue to impress with their performance. It took a few attempts, but it quickly became clear why Michael Raffl was able to establish himself in the NHL.
His vision, his feel for the pass, and his technical execution are all top-notch. And so it's no surprise that the 37-year-old from Villach has gradually risen to the top of the team's scoring charts. We interviewed the father of two shortly before the end of the regular season, reviewing the season so far.
Michael Raffl im Interview
Excerpt from the interview: Michael Raffl on dealing with pressure
"Pressure is a privilege. The greatest pressure is the pressure you put on yourself. But it's not about my points. The team has functioned very well over the past few years, so I wanted to integrate as best I could and help the team. Therefore, the pressure was definitely there, but I think the team has handled it well so far."
Michael Raffl, the younger brother of Salzburg captain Thomas Raffl, grew up in Villach, where his talent was quickly recognized. After six years with the VSV professional team, the forward moved to Leksands IF in the Swedish second division for two years and from there made the leap to America. This was followed by nine NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars. After three more years with Lausanne HC in the Swiss National League, the last two even as captain, Michael Raffl finally came to Salzburg in 2025 to play ice hockey again together with his brother, just like he had once done in Villach.
Next home game of the Red Bulls
On 1 March vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck "Die Haie" Eisarena Salzburg | 5.30 p.m. Livestream
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