Release from 28.11.2020

Villach takes NHL crack Michael Raffl on loan

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NHL team Philadelphia Flyers have loaned forward Michael Raffl to the EC Grand Immo VSV, as the 31-year-old is expected to make his debut in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League Tuesday night in the “Derby” against EC-KAC.

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Villach native Michael Raffl left the “eagles” 2011, moving to Leksands IF Swedish second division. Two seasons later, the Austrian international made his debut for Philadelphia in the NHL on October 12th. He is still part of the Flyers organization, as he played 498 games in NHL, scoring 160 points.

"The commitment of the Philadelphia Flyers has arrived. But we are still waiting for confirmation from US Hockey, the American hockey federation, and the NHL. We will see Tuesday, if he is ready to play in the derby”, VSV sports director Gerald Rauchenwald says.

Raffl himself, who recently was repeatedly a training guest of the "eagles", is hoping for a debut on Tuesday, December 1, against Klagenfurt: "It is a very special, really casual feeling to put on the blue and white jersey again. I'm a real Villach native, the Stadthalle has been my second home since I was 3 years old. I learned to play hockey here. It makes me proud to play for the VSV again. I'm very happy and hope being ready for the derby. That would be amazing!"