Alexander Schmidt: “I’m just trying to take the next step”

You’re heading into your second full season with Zell am See. Looking back, how would you summarize your first season with the club?
Alexander Schmidt: “From my perspective, it was a very good season. From a team perspective, winning the Austrian championship was definitely one of the highlights. Going unbeaten in the Master Round and heading into the playoffs as the top seed was also very satisfying.

Of course, the semifinal exit wasn’t what we had planned or hoped for, but if you look at the bigger picture, I think we had a very successful and very good season here in Zell am See.”

What are your personal expectations for the new season, and what are the team’s goals heading into the year?
Alexander Schmidt: “My personal expectations are pretty much the same every year. I’m just trying to improve as much as I can, day in and day out, and help the team get to where we want to be.

From a team perspective, I think the clear goal is to finish in the top five and qualify directly for the playoffs. And, of course, at the end of the season we want to be lifting trophies again – both the Austrian championship trophy and the Alps Hockey League championship trophy.”

With a .931 save percentage, you finished last season with the second-best save percentage among all goaltenders in the league. Do you feel you’ve already reached your peak, or can the fans expect an even better Ali Schmidt this season?
Alexander Schmidt: “It’s tough to say because, in the end, save percentage is about so much more than just individual skill. Last year, my team helped me a lot. We played very solid defense in front of me.

Hopefully, the fans will see an even better version of me this season. For me, it’s just about giving my best, working hard day in and day out, and trying to take the next step. I’m not worried about whether I’ve reached my peak or not. I’m just trying to keep improving and become the best version of myself that I can be.”