Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider took part in an NHL/NHLPA European Media Tour this past Friday, and after exchanging jerseys with Inter Milan players at their training facility, the cadre of European players taking in a game between AC Milan and Cremonese this past Saturday.
Seider also talked with NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger about his expectations for the German Olympic team which will play in the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February of 2026.
A couple of days ago, NHL.com/de’s Robin Patzwaldt also spoke with Seider and Raymond as they attended the soccer game, with both players expressing some amazement at attending a soccer game from sideline seats. Here’s a rough translation thereof:
Detroit’s defensive strategist Seider was enthusiastic about his impressions: “I was already wrong. I appreciated it very much that we were given the opportunity to be so close to the game,” said the young defender. “The guys here have so much passion and at the same time they’re incredibly professional. You can notice immediately how important soccer is to the people of Milan–both the players and the fans. The atmosphere was a very special one. For me, personally, these are incredible moments.”
However, he struggled to find a direct comparison with the NHL: “That’s not easy. There are 80,000 fans gathered here–extremely impressive. In the NHL, there are usually 18,000 to 20,000. The people here live for soccer and for supporting their team. That’s really something very special,” acknowledged Seider.
He was also impressed by his visit to the training center of Inter Milan: “The facility was extremely professional and modern. As an athlete, you dream of such conditions.” He was particularly impressed with Yann Sommer, the Swiss national team goaltender, who has been playing at Inter since 2023: “Meeting young player to young player is a great thing. He took time for us and brought us closer. He’s a super guy and I was really very happy to meet him.”
In a conversation with NHL.com/de, Seider also discussed his great passion for football, which dates back to his childhood: “I have always been a fan of Bayern Munich, that’s how I still feel today. But I’m here now and I’ll change colors,” he joked before he got serious again: “It’s cool that we even recognized some fans here. Our task is to promote our sport and our league on the site. And it’s impressive how good the league is doing. I hope that in the run-up to the Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina 2026, we can carry something from the Olympic spirit to this city.”
His teammate Lucas Raymond, who was also a representative of the NHL in Milan, said similarly: “This is an extraordinary experience that we were all allowed to have together here. To see the stadium alone was very special for me. As a fan of Manchester United, I’ve seen many games, but this is special. Being directly on the side of the field, I will never forget. I appreciate it very much how we were welcomed here.”
The Inter Training Center also impressed the Swede: “It was great to be able teo take a look behind the scenes. I was enthusiastic about the professionalism and passion that prevailed there.” Raymond was also enthusiastic about the entire experience in Milan. “The event was different from the usual promotional events. Maybe that was also due to the special atmosphere in Milan. There’s a great quality of life here–not at the least thanks to the great restaurants. The boys are all enthusiastic about their impressions here.”
Continued (in German)
