Star Interview
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Culture
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Discover Germany
“THE GAME IS FASTER, HARDER AND MORE TECHNICAL” The 20-year-old NHL player Moritz Seider is already one of the most promising athletes in the world. After beginning his professional career with the Jungadler Mannheim at the age of 16, he has gone on to collect more than 20 awards over the last few years and has been under contract with the historic Detroit Red Wings since 2019, where he is part of the 2021/22 squad. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I
PHOTO: AYCANE AG
DISCOVER GERMANY: How did you get into ice hockey? What do you love so much about the sport? Moritz Seider: When I was five years old, kindergarten gave me the opportunity to go on the ice once a week during the winter months. After a few nice weeks, I had a note from the Erfurt ice hockey club in the locker room with an invitation to a taster session. I love the combination of team sport, speed and toughness about ice hockey. That demands many different things from us players.
DISCOVER GERMANY: Between Mannheim and Detroit – what does home mean to you? Moritz Seider: For me, home is Mannheim and it will always stay that way since my family has settled there and my friends are still there during the summer months. So, for me, home basically means family.
DISCOVER GERMANY: What was it like for you to move to the US at such a young age? What do you love about America? Moritz Seider: It was anything but easy for me at the beginning, but the organisation of
the Detroit Red Wings and my teammates gave me enormous support and made my life a lot easier. It was definitely a giant step towards adulthood. One thing that excites me about America is that society is extremely enthusiastic about sport and lives sport even more than we do in Germany. On the other hand, it is extremely practical that all shops are also open on Sundays.
DISCOVER GERMANY: To what extent does the ice hockey landscape in the USA differ from that in Germany? Moritz Seider: The game is faster, harder and more technical and, in general, the density of very good players is much higher. The entertainment factor during a game is also different and more designed for the visitor. For example, in Detroit we have an organ player at our games who performs live.
DISCOVER GERMANY: What is your exercise routine like? What does it mean to be successful? Moritz Seider: A professional everyday life determines my broader life. This starts with a balanced breakfast and various supple-
ments. Then we go straight to the training, where we have to master a strength unit and an individual skill unit in addition to the team training on the ice. An equally important part is rest. We are supported by several sports scientists. Without the right mindset, hard work and the will to get better every day, it is not possible to reach this high level.
DISCOVER GERMANY: How do you deal with the great success and the hype surrounding your person? Moritz Seider: To be honest, I ignore all external pressures, positive and negative, and focus on getting better every day to have the best possible career. The people around me are also a great help here.
DISCOVER GERMANY: Dreams or wishes for the future? Moritz Seider: My biggest wishes, or rather goals for the future, are winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, a World Cup medal with the national team and taking part in the Winter Olympics.
April 2022
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Issue 92
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17
