Release from 12.12.2024

Goaltender Max Zimmermann with best save percentage: “Of course it's a confidence boost”

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Goaltender Max Zimmermann of league leaders EK Die Zeller Eisbären currently has the best save percentage of all goalies in the Alps Hockey League (95.5%). The 25-year-old from Vienna, who is already in his fourth season in Zell am See, has even managed a shutout in three games. In this interview, the goalie talks about his outstanding form, the current season and his team's goals.

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Max Zimmermann has saved 95.5% of all shots on goal this season. He even managed a shutout in three of his twelve appearances and had at least a 90.2% save percentage in every game. When asked whether he was in the best form of his career, the goalkeeper of league leaders EK Die Zeller Eisbären replied modestly: “Of course you try to get better every day and I think we've done that quite well in recent years, together with the goalkeeping coach. But of course it's also a reflection of the team and what good hockey we're playing this year.”

The fact that he managed a shutout in three games gives Zimmermann additional self-confidence: “Yes, I think that's a great confidence boost for the team, of course, as well as for me personally, but as we all know, anything can happen in ice hockey.”

Despite a difficult start to the season with three defeats in the first five games, the team has been in impressive form ever since. The “Polar Bears” have won thirteen of their last 15 games, putting them four points clear of Kitzbühel at the top of the table. “I think we've come together quite well and we're bringing that to the ice accordingly,” explains the goalkeeper.

Zimmermann is optimistic about the goals for the rest of the season: “Of course we want to get as far as possible and I think a lot is possible with the way we're playing this year.”

The 25-year-old, who was born in Vienna, is currently in his fourth season in Pinzgau. A region that he now regards as a second home: “Zell has grown very close to my heart over the last few years and has become a second home for me. The best fans in the league are also a big plus.”

There are no games scheduled this week in the Alps Hockey League. For the 25-year-old Zimmermann, it's a welcome opportunity to switch off and recuperate: “I've been at home with my family in Vienna for a few days now to recharge my batteries and make sure I come back just as strong, if not stronger, after the break.”

For Max Zimmermann and Zell am See, the Alps Hockey League continues on Tuesday, December 17th with a home game against HC Meran/o Pircher.