Release from 04.10.2026

Special reunion for Capitals coach Mike Stewart in Villach

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The Vienna Capitals visit EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV on Sunday. For coach Mike Stewart, it is a very special return. The 54-year-old played as a defenceman for the Villach Eagles from 2001 to 2010 and won two league titles with the club.

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Both the Vienna Capitals and VSV have nine points from six games. In the league table, the Viennese are currently in eighth place, with Villach hot on their heels in ninth. This head-to-head clash therefore promises to be particularly exciting.

Both teams are coming into the match with renewed confidence
For Capitals coach Mike Stewart, however, the match in Villach is significant for more than just sporting reasons. The 54-year-old played as a defender for Villach from 2001 to 2010, celebrating two league titles with the VSV and becoming a defining figure at the club. His shirt number 4 has been officially retired in Villach and will not be re-assigned. “After such a long time spent in Villach by my family and me, this will be a special match for me,” says Stewart ahead of his reunion with his former club. He emphasises, however, that for him the sporting objective is the main focus on Sunday: “Ultimately, we’re going there as the Vienna Capitals to pick up points.”

The VSV go into the clash with added confidence. Villach recently secured a clear 7–2 victory over Milan. “We need to play with discipline and get back to playing Capitals-style hockey,” explains the head coach. Following their convincing 4–0 win against Innsbruck, the Viennese are keen to build on that performance and move up the table.



“I still hold the VSV fans close to my heart”
Returning to the Villach Stadthalle will also be an emotional moment for Stewart. It’s not just his retired shirt number that serves as a reminder of his successful time as a player there. “It’ll be a strange feeling,” says the Austro-Canadian, looking up at his name beneath the arena roof. At the same time, he says he can focus well on the task at hand: “We’ve got a job to do.” Nevertheless, Stewart is looking forward to seeing former teammates and the VSV fans again. “Seeing a few friends – and I still hold the VSV fans close to my heart. It’ll be a special evening.”

Stewart also gained his first coaching experience in Villach before moving to Germany, where he spent ten years working in the DEL, amongst other things. In the summer, he took over as head coach of the Vienna Capitals. On Sunday, he will now return to Villach in this role for the first time. and Sporteurope.tv.

The match between EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV and the Vienna Capitals will be broadcast live on ORF Sport+ and Sporteurope.tv.