The Extra Mile - 04 | The magic of ice hockey: Michi's story

Michi's love of ice hockey began in her childhood, when she played on frozen ponds with the boys from the neighborhood. "Even then, I felt that ice hockey was something special - a feeling that was reinforced by the 1996 Ice Hockey World Championships in Vienna. Ice hockey is simply the best sport in the world," Michi recalls her first encounters with the sport.


Michi discovers her passion at the World Championships in Vienna

Ice hockey as a family bond
As a mother of four children, Michi wanted to pass on her passion and the values that sport conveys to her children. "I felt a great need to pass on the most beautiful sport in the world to my children," says Michi. "I saw ice hockey not only as an opportunity to give my children joy and a new hobby, but also as a chance to teach them the importance of team spirit and cohesion."

Rekindling the fire
When Michi took her eldest child to a game for the first time, the old fire in her was rekindled - and this time stronger than ever. Michi became an ice hockey ambassador, taking her family, friends and even work colleagues to the stadium and infecting them with her enthusiasm. "I always involve everyone around me in my passion. I've brought so many people to ice hockey and everyone was enthusiastic from the start," Michi reports proudly.

The ice hockey family
A special experience that underlines the deep bond within the ice hockey community was the story of Michi and her son Jurij, who traveled to Klagenfurt last year without tickets for a semi-final match. "Thanks to the generosity of a KAC fan who gave us his tickets, my son also experienced the magic of the ice hockey family up close. This experience shaped Jurij, who now wants to carry on these values himself," says Michi.

Unforgettable moments in Bolzano: a journey full of emotions
Michi's trips to Bolzano to experience EC Red Bull Salzburg matches have now become a cherished tradition. However, these trips are more than just simple visits to ice hockey matches; they are filled with emotions, traditions and unforgettable experiences.

One such memorable moment occurred on April 16, 2023, one day before the eighth birthday of Michi's son, Jurij. "As a special surprise, I gave Jurij a trip to Bolzano to watch the fifth final against HCB Südtirol Alperia." As a special bonus, Jurij was also given a signed flag from Atte Tolvanen, the eventual playoff MVP, for the trip. "With shining eyes and full of pride, Jurij held his flag in his hands, a gift that showed him how much he is part of the ice hockey family," recalls Michi.


Jurij and Michi with Atte Tolvanen's signed flag in Bolzano

"The atmosphere in the sold-out Palaonda was electrifying, with more than 6,000 fans sharing their passion and cheering on their teams," says the mother-of-four. Michi and Jurij were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the South Tyrolean fans, who gave them a warm welcome. The game, which was only decided in the 116th minute, was full of excitement. "Although HCB won the game, that only dampened our spirits for a short time. We were part of an unforgettable experience", and so Michi and Jurij were simply delighted along with the numerous Bolzano fans.

Michi's passion and dedication also reached a climax in the seventh final match in Bolzano. Accompanied by close friends from the fan club "die Treuen", of which Michi is also a member, she experienced "moments of pure joy and fellowship. The decisive 2:1 game-winning goal, watched from the front row, triggered a wave of enthusiasm among us. But what particularly impressed me was the atmosphere of mutual respect and friendliness, both among the fans and the stewards who congratulated us Salzburg fans who had traveled with them," says Michi.


Michi with "the remains of the trophy" and Peter Hochkofler (who was not entirely uninvolved in the condition of the trophy)

After winning the cup, Michi talked shop with TV commentator Martin Pfanner. In addition to their passion for ice hockey, Martin Pfanner and Michi have something else in common: music. Michi's lucky sweater, which she wears at all the important games, is a Motörhead sweater. That's not the only reason why Martin and Michi always get talking in ice rinks.

But the real "magic moment" for Michi and "die Treuen" came afterwards: "We bumped into the players before we left and took photos with them and the trophy - or what was left of it. We were also able to soak up the players' emotions and share them with them. You could tell that we fans were a part of it. A moment I will never forget," enthuses Michi.


Two passions unite TV commentator Martin Pfanner and Michi

The trips to Bolzano have a very special place in Michi's heart. "It's these moments that prove that ice hockey is much more than just a sport - it's a way of life that brings people together and creates lasting memories." Michi and her fan club always maintain very special traditions on their trips to Bolzano. The legendary South Tyrolean salt beer is just as important as the obligatory pizza. The outfits must also always be the same.


The traditional salt beer is a must on every trip to Bolzano.

A message for society
Michi's story is a living example of how sport can bring people together and convey positive values. "This one-for-all mentality in ice hockey is simply incomparable. Our whole society can learn something from it," Michi emphasizes. Michi's love of ice hockey and her tireless enthusiasm have not only infected her family, but also those around her. Her story is proof of the power of sport.