Release from 06.07.2026

CHL Import Draft: Sintschnig and Waschnig on Taking the Next Step to North America

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A total of five players from the win2day ICE Hockey League were selected in the CHL Import Draft and now have the opportunity to take the next step in one of the world's premier junior hockey leagues. Among them are Paul Sintschnig of EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV and David Waschnig of EC-KAC. In an interview with the Sunshine Hockey League, the two Austrian prospects spoke about their move to North America, the relief after the draft, and their excitement for the new challenge—especially knowing they will not have to face it alone.

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Paul Sintschnig was selected second overall by the Halifax Mooseheads, making him the highest-drafted Austrian player since Gregor Baumgartner in 1996. Since Halifax was his preferred destination, the days leading up to the draft were filled with anticipation.

"There was definitely a lot of tension. I didn't know if I would end up with the team I really wanted. When everything became official, it honestly felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was just incredibly relieved," the 17-year-old told the Sunshine Hockey League.

His excitement grew even more when VSV teammate Nico Uschan was also selected by the Mooseheads with the 81st overall pick, meaning Sintschnig will not have to make the move to Canada on his own.

"I was relieved that everything worked out the way we had hoped. Going over with a teammate makes it so much easier. It's nice to have at least one person you can speak German with."

David Waschnig was also selected in the draft. The 19-year-old EC-KAC forward is headed to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who drafted three players from the win2day ICE Hockey League. Alongside Waschnig, KAC teammate Johannes Dobrovolny and Steinbach Black Wings Linz forward Jonathan Oschgan were also selected. Waschnig believes having several Austrians making the journey together will be a major advantage.

"Like Paul said, it's a huge relief not to have to go over there alone. Our French from school isn't exactly great, so it's nice to have a few guys around you can speak German with instead of just sitting there not understanding anything."

Waschnig earned his opportunity with an outstanding first full season on EC-KAC's senior team. During Austria's national team camp ahead of the IIHF World Championship, he realized it was time to take the next step in his career.

"It was actually a surprisingly good season for me. Everything went even better than I had expected. I spent four weeks with the national team and realized that almost every experienced player had made the move abroad at our age—many to Canada, others to Sweden. For me, it's about gaining experience, competing against the best players my age, and proving myself on a bigger stage. That's what really motivated me."

For Sintschnig, however, playing abroad was not always part of the plan. It was only after last season that he decided he wanted to embrace a new challenge.

"At first, I didn't really think about it. But after the season I realized I wanted to try something different. I can't spend my whole career playing in Austria. I wanted a new challenge. Then Halifax got in touch, and we tried to make that happen. I'm incredibly happy that everything worked out," said the forward, who made his win2day ICE Hockey League debut last season.