Michael Schiechl: The 1,000-game milestone awaits - what next?

Michael Schiechl knows what it feels like to be a champion.

15 years ago, the 37-year-old won the title twice in a row with EC Red Bull Salzburg. Last April, the third triumph followed, this time with the Graz99ers.

Schiechl also looks back on a special season personally: with 30 points, he completed his best scoring season to date in the autumn of his career.

The first championship for the Graz team was something very special for the veteran from Judenburg. "It was incredible. I wouldn't have thought a few years ago that I, as a Styrian, would still get to experience that," he tells LAOLA1.

Also There in the Most Difficult Times

Schiechl is one of three players who were already part of the team in the dreadful 2023/24 season.

Back then, the regular season ended with eleven wins - only six of which were in regulation time - and a meager 32 points, finishing as dead last. Nicolas Wieser and Paul Reiner were also part of it. "We had a lot of lows," says the forward.

After that, a turning point followed. Long-time president Jochen Pildner-Steinburg stepped down, entrepreneur Herbert Jerich took over and invested a lot of money into the organization. The championship title followed already in the second year - faster than expected.

Winning the Karl-Nedwed-Trophy with Graz is one of the highlights of his career, says Schiechl. "It's certainly one of the most beautiful championship titles when you achieve it in your home province."

Comeback After Groin Hernia

The big celebrations were followed by a small setback.

Schiechl had suffered a groin hernia, which was surgically treated. "I think the injury already happened during the season," the Styrian says, unsure himself about the exact timing.

There had been no typical signs, and the problems had actually disappeared in the summer. However, during the intensive preparation for the new season, the discomfort resurfaced.

Meanwhile, Schiechl has fully recovered and made his comeback last Friday in the Champions Hockey League with Eisbären Berlin.

The 1,000-Game Mark Will Fall - What Next?

Thus, the center forward is ready for action again just in time for the start of the new season in the win2day ICE Hockey League on Friday against HC Pustertal (7:45 PM in the LIVE ticker >>>).

If all goes according to plan, Schiechl will reach a special milestone on November 1st in the home game against the currently struggling VSV: his 1,000th league game.

He never expected to reach this mark. Schiechl smiles: "I might make it to 1,000 this year - and then the next 1,000 will follow."

The fire, in any case, burns ceaselessly within him. The Styrian veteran emphasizes: "As long as everything is physically well, I'll definitely play for a few more years."

And with the Graz team, perhaps win another title or two.