Release from 22.09.2026

Stefan Klassek: “I couldn’t think of a better place”

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The EC-KAC Future Team is back in the Alps Hockey League and will open its 2026/27 campaign on the road against Asiago today. One of the players returning to the Klagenfurt line-up is Stefan Klassek, who already made 109 appearances for the Future Team between 2021 and 2024 before spending the past two seasons with Innsbruck in the win2day ICE Hockey League. Now back in Klagenfurt, the 23-year-old talks about his return to KAC, the importance of the Alps Hockey League for developing young players and his ambition to earn another opportunity with the first team.

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When you found out that KAC would be returning to the Alps Hockey League, was it an easy decision for you to come back home and play in Klagenfurt again?
Stefan Klassek: “When I first found out, it was special for me because I think it’s a great opportunity for the club to be back in the Alps Hockey League. It’s also a great opportunity for a lot of young players here.”

In your opinion, how important is it for KAC to have a team competing in the Alps Hockey League, especially for the development of young players?
“I think it’s extremely important because you have to develop players who are able to help the first team and maybe one day lead the first team. You can only do that with a team that also competes in a professional league. I think the Alps Hockey League is the right step for that. There are a lot of young players and a lot of good players in the league.”

Your team consists of a lot of very young players. What are your expectations for the season?
“We have a lot of players with a lot of potential. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of teams. We’re going to stick to a simple game and play hard. We’re going to be dangerous and I think we’re going to do well.”

At 23, you’re still a young player yourself. Do you also see your return to Klagenfurt as an opportunity to prove yourself and earn a spot with the first team?
“Yes, absolutely. I couldn’t think of a better place to improve my game again. I want to be up there again someday and continue where I left off before I went to Innsbruck.”