Meinbezirk.at’s Michael Kurz spoke with Red Wings forward Marco Kasper regarding the lessons learned over the course of Kasper’s sophomore NHL season, his offseason training and his goals going forward. Here’s a rough translation of the German-language article:
Marco Kasper on his summer training and the upcoming season
MeinBezirk.at met with Marco Kasper in Klagenfurt [Austria], where Carinthia’s ice hockey export in the National Hockey League resides. The forward with Detroit willingly gave information about his summer in Klagenfurt, his off-season training, his time in the NHL so far and his upcoming third season in North America.
Marco, what did you focus on this summer in offseason training?
Marco Kasper: At the beginning of the summer, there was still a lot of rehab for my knee, because of which I also missed the World Championship. Basically, however, you always try to get faster and stronger. Summer training is always a development process. Whether that’s with a strength workout in the summer or a game in December, I always try to give my best.
You also took the title in the Sunshine Hockey League with the Lendhafen Seelowen. What does that mean to you?
Marco Kasper: First and foremost, it was fun that we players came together in the summer. In addition, many fans always come to Ferlach and also the finale in Klagenfurt–that’s great. Of course you want to win, but it’s a great opportunity for all of us, especially for the younger players. This year, for example, J.J. Peterka, Damian Clara and Phillip Sinn were all active, with Michael Grabner and some former players from the NHL, which was really casual.
It’s nice to see when NHL stars like J.J. Peterka follow your call for Carinthia. Do you want to establish this in the coming years?
Marco Kasper: It would be cool if it happened, but you also have to keep in mind that the guys from Germany, for example, have a long ride [to Klagenfurt]. This year, this was because they came from Munich and we also had the Dube Skills Camp on site. But the SHL is already at a very high level, with all the players from EC-KAC or many other national team players from other teams. Finally, there are generally great players at work in the league.
Away from the ice, on one hand, it’s important to “switch off,” but it’s also important to stay active. Where do you find the perfect balance here?
Marco Kasper: For me, it’s always nice when I can be with my family, my girlfriend or with my friends–I feel much better, and you can also “switch off” well. But basically, if you train well in the morning, you can also take in a round of golf in the afternoon and just relax a bit.
It’s usually said that the second season in the NHL is the hardest, and this was, especially initially, correspondingly tough for you. So what do you expect for the upcoming season?
Marco Kasper: The past season was marked by ups and downs. There were some things that we had to learn, and, in some cases, it wasn’t easy. You also set goals for yourself, but basically, I just look at them from day to day. That’s most important to me. I try to train well in the summer, make good preparations, and then look at how I can help the team. Whether that’s by scoring a lot of points or rather important battles, you can see that. Finally, I try to play my game and give it my all every day.
When it comes to the NHL, you immediately think of many world-class players. How much does that affect you when you suddenly arrived in the middle of it and the league?
Marco Kasper: When you come to the NHL as a young player, it’s special to be on the ice with these players, and you’re impressed. In the meantime, I already know the players a little more, and maybe that’s a little easier. But you’re always nervous when it starts again.
Last year, trade rumors arose at the end of last season, around the trade deadline. You could read for a short time that you might have to leave Detroit and switch to another team. If this had kept you busy, after all, you’re practically a “passenger” in the NHL?
Marco Kasper: You logically hear it all, but it’s more like you just take it as it comes. You can’t do anything about it if your team sends you somewhere else. But I also feel very comfortable in Detroit, and I hope it continues. Nevertheless, I also look here from day to day and whatever that also comes.
With Daniel Waschnig and Johannes Dobrovolny, two young players from KAC Klagenfurt’s “Red Jackets” will head to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar (in the QMJHL in Quebec, Canada) this year. Did you give them advice in advance for their first step abroad?
Marco Kasper: “We have already made contact in the summer, and also spent a lot of time together–e.g. we played golf and trained. I think they’re going to go their way, also because they’re both in a good mood and very talented. In the end, it’s always cool when you see that young Austrian players go to America, Sweden or wherever and hopefully succeed there.
