Release from 20.06.2025

Mario Fischer retires from professional hockey

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After a remarkable 871 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League, Mario Fischer has announced his retirement from professional hockey. The 36-year-old defenseman was a cornerstone of the Vienna Capitals for many years.

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Fischer suited up for the Vienna Capitals in 788 official games – second only to club legend Phil Lakos in franchise history. The Vienna native wore the "C" for six seasons and helped lead the team to the championship title in 2017. Before his time in Vienna, Fischer had already won two national championships with EC Red Bull Salzburg.

Fischer developed his game in his hometown of Vienna before taking the leap to Finland at age 15. His journey led him through stints with Rauman Lukko and SaPKo before returning to Austria in 2008 to join Salzburg. In 2011, he became a full-time member of the Vienna Capitals roster – with the only break being a brief, previously announced retirement in 2021, followed by a successful comeback.

In total, Fischer played 871 games in Austria’s top-tier league – ranking ninth all-time since the league’s reorganization. He also represented Team Austria in 48 international games, including the 2015 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic.

Fischer will be officially honored during the Capitals’ first home game of the new season. His jersey number 50 will be raised to the rafters of the STEFFL Arena – a distinction previously given only to Phil Lakos and Rafael Rotter.