Michael Raffl: “Thomas always gives it his all”

The league held its Media Days on Monday and Tuesday at the Red Bull Academy in Salzburg. You certainly know events like this very well: just a necessary obligation, or can a day like that also be a bit of fun?
Michael Raffl: “It’s definitely a must – but it’s also fun. If you have to do it, you might as well do it with a smile. I met some familiar faces, like Daniel Woger, for example. We practically grew up together, were very close for a long time, but then lost touch in recent years. So it was even nicer to see him again.”

How does it feel to be back in Austria after so many years in North America and Switzerland?
Michael Raffl: “It feels unusual, definitely something different – but it has its beautiful sides. We’re now closer to family and, most importantly, to Thomas. That’s something I really missed over the past decade.”

You’ll be playing on the same team with your brother Thomas for the first time in 16 years. What does that mean to you?
Michael Raffl: “I get asked that question a lot. For me, actually playing together isn’t the most important thing. What matters more is simply being close again. He’s my best friend – that’s always been the case and always will be. It’s great that we can now spend more time together and do things with our kids. Right now it just fits perfectly.”

Have you already settled in?
Michael Raffl: “We’ve been here since July. My family is still mostly in Villach, but they’ll be moving soon. I’ve already done the summer training with the team and have spent most of my time in Salzburg.”

Have you had the chance to do something with your brother away from the ice?
Michael Raffl: “When my family isn’t around, I try to keep busy (laughs). Thomas always finds something to do – golf, swimming, or showing me around Salzburg. We’ve already had a pretty packed schedule.”

Thomas is now starting his 15th season with the Red Bulls and is closing in on his 1,000th league game. How do you see him in training?
Michael Raffl: “He always gives 100 percent – no matter what he’s doing. That’s how he lives his whole life. It’s impressive to see how fit he is and how much drive he brings to training. He always puts his heart and soul into it.”

You began your career in Villach and then moved to Sweden at age 22. Your brother had already played abroad before then – were you able to benefit from his experience?
Michael Raffl: “Of course I picked up a few things, but I still wanted to go my own way. Still, I was able to learn from his time in Sweden. He immediately played in the top league – which was a huge step. I went to the second league, which gave me more ice time and the chance to develop as a player.”

Your journey took you from Villach via Sweden all the way to the NHL. Did you face any major obstacles?
Michael Raffl: “It wasn’t so much big ones as a lot of small things and everyday challenges. Everyone who leaves home at a young age goes through that. You have to find your own path. But nothing was insurmountable.”

In part two, Michael Raffl talks about his time in the NHL and the differences between the hockey worlds of North America and Europe.