Red Wings prospect Marco Kasper spoke with Krone.at’s Marcel Santer regarding his on and off-ice training at home in Klagenfurt, Austria. Here’s a translation of the article:
NHL Talent Kasper Receives Tips from KAC Legend
Ice hockey top prospect Marco Kasper trains for up to five hours a day. By September he’ll be proving himself during NHL camps in Detroit. Until then, he also enjoys summer with his girlfriend Tyra.
Ice hockey top prospect Marco Kasper works hard at home in Klagenfurt for up to five hours a day. Because the 19-year-old would like to earn a spot on the NHL team the Detroit Red Wings next season.
“The first camp starts in mid-September–I have to present myself well and show that I’m ready for the best league in the world,” says the forward. That’s why he’s currently putting in afternoon shifts in addition to morning sessions on the ice or in the gym.
“One of the best faceoff players”
And last week he went on the ice with KAC legend Tommy Koch–who concluded his career this year. “I want to play as a center in the long term, and he can definitely give me good tips,” says Kasper. “Tommy was one of the best faceoff players in the entire league. I’m sure I still have room for improvement there. Koch was always a role model at KAC when I was still a youngster.”
NHL chances are open
Koch thinks just as much of the youngster: “Marco can become a really good center–he absorbs a bit of information and has a great attitude. I’m sure that he will make his way.”
It’s still unclear whether Kasper will be allowed to start in Detroit, or whether he’ll have to go to the AHL with the farm team Grand Rapids Griffins first: “That also depends on me and my performance–of course I want to keep improving physically.”
Summer holiday with girlfriend Tyra at home
After the development camp in Detroit three weeks ago, the man from Klagenfurt was in Ligano with his family and his Swedish girlfriend, Tyra–now he shows her around Kalgenfurt with the remaining free time: “She’s enthusiastic about the lake and the mountains. We enjoy our time. ” Until September, when he goes overseas, and the fight for an NHL spot begins…
