Between Ice and Everyday Life: Sam Antonitsch on Pressure, Team Spirit and Mental Health

“It’s a team sport – you immediately notice when someone isn’t doing well,” says Antonitsch. “That’s the big advantage of playing in a team: you’re never alone.”

The 27-year-old speaks openly about dealing with pressure and fluctuations in performance – and how crucial a strong environment can be. “When you lose a lot, there’s more pressure – from fans, from the organization, but also from yourself. That’s when it’s important to have people around you who lift you up.”

For Antonitsch, home is a special place of retreat: “My wife, my child and our dog don’t care how I played. They’re just happy that I’m home – and that really helps me switch off.”

With his open attitude, Sam Antonitsch shows that mental strength is about more than just hiding weaknesses. It’s about being honest with yourself – and knowing when to seek support.




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