Release from 11.01.2018

5 questions to Riley Brace

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We talked with Riley Brace of S.G. Cortina Hafro. The Forward is the first and only player in the Alps Hockey League-history, who scored over 100 (regular-season-)points.

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Last year your team had a very successful season, this season Cortina is struggling till now and has to fight for a playoff-spot. What is the difference?
“I think that our team was in the same situation last year almost, leaving things to the last minute and having to battle and go on a streak to get into the playoffs, you never like to take the easy road, there’s no adversity in having an easy way in."

Also last season the team started late and came through the qualification round to the semi-finals. Is the same development still possible and which adjustments has to be done?
“Absolutely, anything is possible. It’s just a matter of everyone on the team buying into their roles and playing there part and playing together as a team. To be honest last year we played pretty well down the stretch but once we got into the playoffs I thought everyone elevated their games to another level. And I strongly believe without all the injuries and suspensions that we had we could went on a little more of a run.”

You are the first and only player who scored 100 points. Is this kind of consolation for the intermingled season?
“It’s always nice to be recognized in that sense for individual accomplishments, but at the end of the day hockey is a team sport, always has been and always will be, so although 100 pts is nice my goal is to get my team into the playoffs.”

No other player scores that frequently, what is your secret?
“….no secret here, I’m very fortunate to have a great linemate in Zack Torquato he’s so good in the faceoff circle and getting open which makes teams pick who they’re gonna cover and when they pick him I’m left with some time and space and when they try to cover me he’s left with time and space.”

This is already the second year of AHL. What do you think?
“I like it, there’s always room for improvement in every league but I think they’ve done a pretty good job, this being the 2nd year of existence, everyone is trying to figure out what works best among the league and with teams coming in each year so far, as well as some teams being a developmental system for there EBEL club.. But all in all, it’s been pretty good.”
Picture: David S. Wassagruba