Peter Schneider: "We want to keep improving"

14 goals and 18 assists so far this season. It is fair to say that you are arriving at the national team in top form. How do you feel?
Peter Schneider: "I have to say, I feel good. I prepared well over the summer, so I am physically in good shape too. We have had a few spells with injured and ill players, which has given me a lot of ice time. Despite all that, I feel physically well, which is why I am with the national team."

More than half a year ago now, top-division status was secured once again at the World Championship in Tampere with the thriller against Hungary. Where do you see the national team at the moment? Are they on the right track to establish themselves in the top division?
Peter Schneider: "I think so. Naturally, we want to do even better, keep taking steps forward and firmly establish ourselves in the top division. But we are not quite there yet, because it is still a battle every year. We come up against good nations and it will not be easy. It was good that we managed to stay in the top division two years in a row, and we will do everything we can to make sure we achieve that again next year."

Does the team now have greater depth than in the past?
Peter Schneider: "That is not so easy to assess. Players are repeatedly injured or ill, or are no longer playing. That does not help a small country and is not easy. On the other hand, young players keep getting their opportunity and do their job well. There is potential. The important thing is that the players are healthy and able to join the national team."

When you join the national team, what do you look forward to most?
Peter Schneider: "My team-mates, the dressing room, the people and friends you do not see that often during the year. There is always a good atmosphere in the dressing room and great camaraderie. That is one of the main reasons why we enjoy joining the national team."

Two intense games await you on Thursday and Friday. What does the team expect first against Hungary? Do you expect a side looking for revenge after their shoot-out defeat at the World Championship?
Peter Schneider: "Definitely. They were certainly not happy with the result. They will do everything they can to get revenge, but we will give them everything in return. It will certainly be a good game."

What goals have you set yourself for this season, personally, with RB Salzburg and with the national team?
Peter Schneider: "With Salzburg, the aim is naturally to win the championship again. That will be a difficult task. With that goal in mind, we are taking it game by game and still have room for improvement before we get to the point where we can challenge for the title. Personally, I want to maintain my performances consistently, support the team as well as possible and be a role model for young players, so that the core group continues to grow for the future. With the national team, the clear goal is to stay in the top division again in Prague. We want to keep improving and take a step forward. We need to minimise the mistakes of the past and hopefully cause one or two surprises as a result."

ÖEHV is offering a one-off promotion for the Österreich Cup: children under 14 are admitted free of charge. Austria's games will be broadcast live on ORF SPORT +.

Tickets are available այժմ HERE now

Ticket prices for day tickets
Standard price: seated € 15.- / standing € 10.-
Reduced price (school pupils, students, military and civilian service personnel): seated € 10.- / standing € 5.-

Ticket prices for combination tickets(valid on both matchdays)
Standard price: seated € 25.- / standing € 15.-
Reduced price (school pupils, students, military and civilian service personnel): seated € 15.- / standing € 10.-

Austria Cup schedule

Thursday, 14 December
15:00: Italy vs. Poland
19:00: Austria vs. Hungary

Friday, 15 December
13:00: Hungary vs. Italy/Poland
17:00: Austria vs. Italy/Poland

Austria Cup squad