Dieter Kalt: "If you're afraid to make mistakes, you won't win anything!"

Born in Klagenfurt, Dieter Kalt made his debut in the EC-KAC's senior team at the age of 16. His illustrious career began with the "Red Jackets", which first took him to the DEL, then to North America and Sweden. From 2005 to 2012, another eight seasons followed in the multinational ice hockey league now known as the win2day ICE Hockey League. The multiple Austrian international celebrated plenty of successes: the forward won the title five times - both with Klagenfurt and Salzburg.

His heart beats for the EC-KAC, for whom he also worked as sports director after his playing career, and this was evident during the interview. Shortly after the phone call, Kalt was back on the ice: "I have a few minutes, then my son has his final training with the Bambini - I'll be there on the ice."

He and his children are following the final series very closely, "We're watching it on TV. I also have a few old colleagues with me. We're keeping our fingers crossed for them." He played together with Thomas Hundertpfund and Raphael Herburger in red and white, while Manuel Ganahl, Lukas Haudum and Johannes Bischofberger came to Klagenfurt during his time as sports director. "And there's also Nicki Kraus. Back then, the question was in which direction his development would go - and now he's playing a very strong season. I also really appreciate the coaches: Kirk Furey, who was a hothead as a player, radiates incredible calm. I'm also very impressed by Dave Fischer as a person and coach. I'm delighted that this team has the chance to play for the title."


Dieter Kalt with Bob Wren after the Capitals' first title win in 2005.

"You have to love game seven"
Dieter Kalt has played in two Game Seven finals in his active career since the league was newly founded - and experienced it all: he won the title with the Caps in 2005 and lost the showdown with Klagenfurt against Salzburg in 2011. "From my experience, I know that game seven is something you have to love. You have to go into this game with a smile. If your anxiety goes beyond normal nervousness - then it doesn't go well. If you're afraid of making mistakes, you won't win anything. To be successful, you have to have fun and play to win," says the now 49-year-old.

In his opinion, the players also need to understand that the participants in such an important game have an incredible privilege: "Being on the ice for a game like this is not something to be taken for granted. The athletes have earned it over many years - this dream only materialises for very few at this level. If you understand that, you've created a positive mindset and the necessary enjoyment of the game."

"Klagenfurt has its nose in front"
If you ask Kalt about the outcome of game seven, he says: "Klagenfurt has its nose in front!" And why? "The KAC has been the best team all season and above all has delivered great consistency. Of course, anything is possible in a game - but Klagenfurt has more of those players who can decide a game with one 'play'. Haudum with an action like in the last game or Mursak or Petersen - they can make the difference."

The decisive game in the best-of-seven final series between the EC-KAC and EC Red Bull Salzburg will be broadcast on PULS 24 and Joyn on Friday at 7.05 pm.