Davide Conci: "We haven't reached our goal yet"

Davide, Sterzing took the series lead on Saturday. What was the decisive factor for your first success in the Ritten Arena?
I think the decisive point for our victory was the fact that we stayed consistent for 60 minutes and played our game - which is one of the biggest challenges in hockey. Another important point was the equaliser by Bryson Cianfrone shortly before the end of the first period. It was also very important that we kept up a good PK at 5-on-3 for almost 2 minutes. After that, we were able to control the rest of the game well and decide the game in our favour with another two goals.

It was Ritten's first home defeat since 7 October. Did you realise that Ritten is very difficult to beat at home and how decisive can this away win be when you look at the rest of the series?
To progress, we knew from the start that we absolutely needed at least one away win. The fact that it came in the third game is very positive for us. Nevertheless, we know that we have to keep fighting and play our game, as we still need two more wins. We knew that Ritten had a very long home winning streak behind them, but in the playoffs, as is so often the case, the cards are reshuffled and you start from scratch.

You've already made history by reaching the semi-finals, and now even more is possible. How big is the hockey fever in Sterzing?
In my opinion, the difference between last year and this year is enormous. The euphoria of our fans is clearly noticeable at every home game, but also away. We really appreciate the support of our fans. Reaching the semi-finals was a pleasing stage, but we haven't reached our goal yet.

Like many of your colleagues, you are currently in top form. You scored in five of seven play-off games. Is this the best Davide Conci on the ice for a long time?
As we all know, hockey is a team sport and individual performances can only be achieved with the help of all team-mates and the entire environment in general. And of course I'm happy to be able to call on my current good form in the playoffs and thus make my contribution to the team.

What makes you so strong and dangerous as a team this season?
You could say that we have created a great environment right from the start this year. Our team has grown together so much thanks to the coaching staff - everyone is prepared to give their all and fight for the team. Despite all the injury-related absences, we've managed to fill the gaps left by the injured players. In my opinion, this shows all the more that we have really strong cohesion within the entire team this year.

You have the chance to earn match points at home on Tuesday. What kind of game are you expecting?
The home game on Tuesday is a hugely important game: We have the chance to extend our lead and thus put ourselves in a very good position. But we know that the Rittner Buam will do everything they can to equalise the series - which is why it will be extremely important to be fully ready from the very first second of the game. So it will be an exciting and intense game.

You're still without a defeat at home in the playoffs. How decisive is the home crowd?
The fact that we're playing so well at home is clearly thanks to our fans, who always support and cheer us on. It's an extra push for us to play well in front of our home crowd and give it our all. We're happy to have our fans as the seventh man on the ice.

Photo: Oskar Brunner