Elite sport is all about self-disci­pline

Training programmes, match preparation and hygiene measures go hand in hand when the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League gets its season under way on Friday (from 19:15 on the LIVE ticker at LAOLA1).

Weekly testing, a daily questionnaire and temperature checks before every training session, as well as limited social contact in private life, have now become part of Thomas Raffl's everyday routine. The captain of EC Red Bull Salzburg is taking the unusual situation in his stride.

"The longer you do it, the easier it gets. It is more difficult for young players who have not yet experienced certain situations. Over time, you realise that everything in professional sport comes down to self-discipline. That is why I do not find it so difficult now," he explains. "We have the Red Zone concept, which only includes the 23 players who play in the Bundesliga. On top of that, there are the weekly coronavirus tests. Every morning, we have to complete a questionnaire about possible signs of coronavirus, then there are temperature checks before training, and then we get started."

Raffl is also captain of the national team and, in that capacity, is pleased that more Austrian talents will have the opportunity to gain experience in the league this year. "It is a great opportunity for young players to prove something to people. You have to grow with the task, and they are getting that opportunity now. Then it is time to go full throttle," stresses the forward.

Positive coronavirus tests are already causing problems before the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League has even begun: HC Bozen have identified infections among several players, meaning the South Tyroleans cannot play their opener against league newcomers Bratislava Capitals. Those affected are well, have no symptoms and are being isolated in accordance with protocol.

Further testing within the team and the club will take place over the coming hours and days. The next steps will then be clarified with the league officials and announced at a later date. The match, originally scheduled for 17:30, would have been the very first of the new season. It has now been postponed.

As things stand, the remaining four matches of the opening round will take place as planned. In principle, ten outfield players and one goalkeeper must be able to provide a negative coronavirus test for a match to go ahead. However, due to the positive tests, HC Bozen are unable to travel to Bratislava at all.