Release from 30.01.2026

David Kickert in the Interview: “More games bring more confidence”

Short text 411 CharactersPlain text

EC Red Bull Salzburg goalie David Kickert currently leads the league with a 94.41% save percentage. Following him are two other top Austrian goalies, Sebastian Wraneschitz (VIC) and Florian Vorauer (KAC). For Kickert, it’s clear: “More games bring more confidence.” In the interview, the 31-year-old four-time champion also explains how he has developed mentally and why he is comfortable even in a backup role.

Press release 3119 CharactersPlain text

David, you currently lead the league in both shutouts (5) and save percentage (94.41%). In your view, what are the main reasons for your consistent performance this season?
David Kickert: “I can’t really pinpoint exact reasons. I’m not doing much differently than last year, but I think that more games bring more confidence. And I can definitely feel that. As a team, we play very structured defensively.”

As a goalie, rhythm is extremely important. How do you manage to stay at such a high level even with fewer appearances, and be ready when called upon?
David Kickert: “That comes a lot with experience. Knowing what works and what doesn’t. There’s also some trial and error involved. I do various techniques and exercises.”

Mentally as well?
David Kickert: “Exactly, mentally. Concentration and focus exercises, even during games. I think it just took me some time to figure out what works best for me.”

You’ve been in a backup role in Salzburg for the past few years. How important would it be for you to become the clear number one and start in the playoffs?
David Kickert: “Of course, that would be great. Ultimately, winning is more important to me than anything else. If Atte Tolvanen plays more, I accept that, because team success is more important than individual success. But naturally, it’s more enjoyable to be on the ice when we win.”

How much would winning a championship mean to you if you were the goalie on the ice for the title-winning game?
David Kickert: “I’ve experienced that once before in Vienna. It’s indescribable to be on the ice when the game is over. It’s definitely sweeter than coming in from the bench. But as I said, the main thing is that we win. As a team, you celebrate together anyway.”

After a somewhat slow first half of the season, Salzburg is now the hottest team in the league, with 17 wins in the last 19 games and just four points behind first-place KAC. Do you see room for improvement?
David Kickert: “I think the biggest challenge for us has always been maintaining this level consistently. Even against supposedly weaker opponents or in games where motivation might be lower, we still execute our game. That maturity, that professional approach. Looking back at previous years, in the playoffs everyone always steps up another level. That’s something really cool.”

Looking at the league’s current save percentage stats, the top three goalies are all Austrian. You lead with 94.4%, followed by Sebastian Wraneschitz (93%) and Florian Vorauer (92.7%). We haven’t seen that in a long time. Is this a shift in Austrian goaltending?
David Kickert: “I’m not exactly sure how many games everyone has played, but I assume we’re playing more now than in the past. I still believe that has a lot to do with it. They are all good goalies, and of course, it makes me very happy for all of us. I hope it continues this way.”

The next possible appearance for David Kickert in the net for EC Red Bull Salzburg is this Friday against Olimpija Ljubljana. Live at 19:15 on Sporteurope.tv.