Theresa Schafzahl: "It means being one of the best players in the world"
Two days ago, Boston Fleet announced that Theresa Schafzahl had extended her contract for another year. The 25-year-old, who scored the first goal in the club's history in the then newly established PWHL on 3 January 2024, talks in this interview about the past two seasons, her goals and development, as well as her role as an Austrian in the strongest women's ice hockey league in the world.
2 min read
Theresa, congratulations on your contract extension. What have the past two years been like for you? What has worked well from your perspective and what still needs work?
Theresa Schafzahl: “In summary, the two years have been an incredible experience. Being able to play my sport professionally was, of course, always my dream. The best things about it have been being able to play alongside the best players in the world, in packed arenas, and being in a professional environment in every respect. There have not really been any major negatives yet. Of course, the league is still young and not everything is perfect, but overall everything has worked out well.”
How proud does it make you to remain part of the team and the PWHL?
Theresa Schafzahl: “It means being one of the best players in the world. That is why it makes me proud.”
What is your role in the team? How would you describe it?
Theresa Schafzahl: “I think I am a very versatile player who can hopefully help the team in all game situations. By now, I am one of the players who has been with the team the longest, so I also intend to take a step forward next season and become a leader.”
What goals have you set yourself for the coming year, both in the league and with the national team?
Theresa Schafzahl: “In the league, to make more of an impact offensively and win the championship with the team. With the national team, the top priority is, of course, to perform well at our first World Championship in the Top Division in order to stay in the division.”
How do you assess the development of the PWHL?
Theresa Schafzahl: “Overall, it has been good. In my assessment, interest in the league continues to grow steadily. The environment for the players has also developed further from the first to the second year. It will be interesting next season to see how the expansion of the league by two teams develops.”
Do you see yourself and Anna as trailblazers for other domestic talents in the league?
Theresa Schafzahl: “Yes, I think so. In principle, I believe it is very important that players like us from Austria or France are also in the league, even though their national teams are not always in the Top Division at the World Championship. This shows league officials and coaches that there is also a great deal of talent in these countries.”
