Release from 19.09.2025

Linesman David Nothegger ahead of his 500th league game

Short text 290 CharactersPlain text

In Friday’s matchup between EC Red Bull Salzburg and EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV, linesman David Nothegger will reach a special milestone: the 34-year-old will officiate his 500th game in the win2day ICE Hockey League. Ahead of the occasion, he speaks about memories, gratitude, and his jubilee.

Press release 2268 CharactersPlain text

Nothegger has already stepped onto the ice 499 times as a linesman in the win2day ICE Hockey League. Now comes game number 500. “This game is connected with many emotions for me – above all, pride in what I’ve accomplished and gratitude for the experiences I was allowed to gather over all these years. I want to especially thank my family and friends, who have supported me for so long,” says the native of Pinzgau.

Nothing changes in his preparation for Friday: “The game itself is like any other. On the ice, it’s about the game – the referee should not be in the spotlight.” And yet, he admits it is a special moment: “Several family members, friends, and also colleagues will be in the arena. At such an anniversary, you automatically reflect on everything you’ve experienced. Reaching this number of games was always one of my goals. I’ve had the privilege to work side by side with many colleagues – some of whom have become good friends over the years.”

Nothegger officiated his very first league game on January 1, 2012, in Villach – a moment he remembers not only because it was his debut. In the second period, he crashed into the boards, dislocated his shoulder, and had to be taken to the hospital. “I remember that very clearly. Fortunately, there have also been plenty of positive highlights – such as intense playoff battles or finals. I also remember games where I didn’t perform at my best and rightfully faced criticism. That helped me grow in my development.”

In the current season, the Pinzgau native – who officiated at the 2023 World Championship in Tampere (FIN) and Riga (LAT) – has already been on duty during the preseason as well as in Champions Hockey League games. On Friday, he will now make his 2025/26 league season debut. “The preparation games and the CHL already went really well. Now I’m looking forward to the upcoming tasks in the win2day ICE Hockey League,” says Nothegger. He has a clear wish for this season: “Stay healthy, collect many great moments – and hopefully, in the end, look back on around 550 special games.”

Video: Linesman David Nothegger’s anniversary:


Linesman David Nothegger war vor zwei Jahren im ICE-Talk zu Gast: