Marco Rossi is Player of the Year 2023

For the second time since 2021, the experts were unanimous in their choice for Player of the Year: Marco Rossi. The Vorarlberg native played a key role in the national team's survival in the Top Division last May and made his definitive NHL breakthrough in the autumn. The full interview is available here. David Reinbacher finished 2nd behind Rossi, while Anna Meixner was once again voted onto the podium.

28 March 20244 min read

Marco, hand on heart: surprised?
Marco Rossi: “It is nice to receive this award. You are happy about such honours and proud that your hard work is being rewarded. Personally, I do not place much importance on awards. My focus is on the team and progressing as a team, winning games and, ideally, winning the Stanley Cup.”

37 points (20 goals, 17 assists, as at 28 March 2024) in 71 games. Based on these figures, you are among the very best rookies. Were your first points at the start of the season something of a breakthrough?
Marco Rossi: “Yes, definitely. Last summer was very important for me. I stayed in the USA. That was not easy, because of course I love my home, my family and my friends. But I made the best of it and enjoyed the time with my girlfriend. My dream was and is to play in the NHL, and you do everything for that. Many call it a sacrifice; I say it is my dream and I give everything for it. It was cool to be here. I was able to build further on my strengths and work on my weaknesses. The main focus was on becoming stronger and faster. I made very good use of that. I felt very good in pre-season and had a lot of confidence. That helped me a great deal.”

What particularly stands out in your memories of 2023?
Marco Rossi: “Definitely the first goal. I had a lot of bad luck in the previous season. It was not easy. The first goal was a real relief; a lot of pressure came off me. I was then able to play more freely and my confidence also increased. It was certainly one of the best moments of my career.”

The play-off chance is still alive. Are you confident that you can still make it?
Marco Rossi: “Of course, we are always positive in the team. The aim is always to make the play-offs. It is tough and difficult, but hope dies last. It is important that we think from game to game. Anything is possible.”

The 2024 World Championship in Prague is coming up in May. Is that on your mind?
Marco Rossi: “Of course. If the situation allows me to come, it is always a great honour to play for Austria. For now, the focus is still on Minnesota and the NHL. Should our season end early, I would be very happy to play for Austria in May. Naturally, in consultation with Minnesota.”

You also recently met national team head coach Roger Bader. How was it and what did you discuss?
Marco Rossi: “It is always cool when Roger comes to visit us. He then went on to see Marco Kasper. It gives us a good feeling and it is also nice to speak German again. We talked about the situation, the World Championship and Olympic qualifying, as well as generally about how I am doing. It was a very good conversation.”

Will you spend the summer in Austria?
Marco Rossi: “I will be back home next summer. It does me good, especially mentally, when I see my family, friends and the mountains too.”

What about hobbies? Do you have any time for them at all and, if so, what do you do to clear your head?
Marco Rossi: “The NHL season is so stressful, with so many games that you enjoy the little rest you get. My girlfriend and I recently got a dog. Taking him for walks is enormously good for my mind. It helps me take my mind off things.”

How much contact do you have with your family during such an intense season?
Marco Rossi: “We speak on the phone or message each other almost every day. If things get stressful and we do not speak for a day, everyone understands. My parents still know it well from when my father was an active player. But generally, we try to stay in touch every day.”

Ice Hockey Player of the Year 2023 voting results

1st. Marco Rossi, 55 points
2nd. David Reinbacher, 25 points
3rd. Anna Meixner, 23 points
4th. Theresa Schafzahl, 22 points
5th. Marco Kasper, 9 points
6th. Peter Schenider, 5 points
7th. Selma Luggin, 4 points
8th. Vinzenz Rohrer, 3 points
8th. Johannes Bischofberger, 3 points
10th. Thomas Raffl, 2 points
10th. Benjamin Baumgartner, 2 points