Vinzenz Rohrer: “I’m really hungry for it”

On 8 July 2022, the Montreal Canadiens selected the then 17-year-old Vinzenz Rohrer 75th overall in the NHL Draft. After two seasons in total with the Ottawa 67's in the OHL, Rohrer joined the ZSC Lions in 2023 and won the championship in his very first year. The forward quickly became a fan favourite and further demonstrated his ability with the national team.

Last season, Rohrer successfully defended the championship title with the Lions, contributing 15 goals and ten assists. At the World Championship last May, the now 20-year-old was also one of the key players in the red-white-red team. The Canadiens did not fail to notice the Vorarlberg native’s rapid development and made him an offer before the World Championship, as Vinzenz Rohrer reveals: “Basically, I already knew before the World Championship and during the season that the offer would be there. Now it was a matter of weighing up how I see my future. I went through a lot of thoughts, especially after the World Championship. I told myself that I wouldn’t overthink things before the World Championship. Now I’ve come to a decision, and it’s great to have this opportunity at all.”

The top priority for now is to go over there and make the team. “It is what it is. It depends on performance. We’ll know in September or October,” said Rohrer, who will continue his summer training in Zurich over the coming weeks and months.

“I have great people there whom I fully trust, and I may also train with Zurich. When I go to Montreal is not yet certain. Probably at the beginning of September.”

Vinzenz Rohrer has repeatedly improved his French with private lessons in recent years, but admits that progress is difficult when you do not need to use it every day. “That will certainly come when I’m over there,” said the relaxed Vorarlberg native, who is also in contact with David Reinbacher, potentially his future teammate with the Canadiens: “He wrote to me straight away. We’re looking forward to seeing each other again soon. There is great anticipation in general. I’m really hungry for it.”