Es ist auch für mich ein anderes Gefühl, dort zu spielen, wo man aufgewachsen ist.
His parents and sisters had already seen him play abroad, "but it's different here," Komarek says. His two grandmothers now also have the opportunity to watch their grandson.
Komarek: "It's also a different feeling for me to play where you grew up."
Time abroad shaped him
In 2008, the former national team forward left Vienna and moved to Sweden to the junior team of Lulea HF.
Two years later, Komarek made his debut in the then Elitserien, the country's top league. He played a total of 76 games for Luleå's professional team before returning to Austria in 2012 and playing the next four years for Red Bull Salzburg.
In 2016, he started his second adventure abroad and went back to Sweden. There – with the exception of the 2020/21 season in Riga and Biel – he spent the following decade, met his wife, and started a family.
That allowed him to grow as a person. Komarek says: "I matured a lot during that time, also as a player. You get older, you grow and learn." Eventually, you become a player like your own idols once were, he explains. "That's what I strive for."
Well-settled in Vienna
Komarek arrived in Vienna with his family at the end of July, having spent the summer in Sweden.
The adjustment didn't take long. Already at the first official ice practice on August 10, the Viennese reported that he felt "totally comfortable."
His first impression of the team: "We harmonize very well, we really have great guys in the locker room."
Playoff participation is one of the goals
Thus, a basic prerequisite for a good season has already been met. How strong the Capitals will ultimately be will become clear in the coming weeks and months.
Looking at the squad, Komarek is confident that the Viennese are facing a more successful season than in previous years, when the playoffs were missed. "However, I can't look into a crystal ball," he remains cautious at the same time.
And says: "Everyone who signed here and is part of this team has one goal in mind – and we will pursue it." When asked, Komarek specifies: "Playoff participation is one of our goals."
Das erste Heimspiel wird etwas Besonderes. Ich habe noch nie die schwarz-gelben Farben tragen dürfen.
He is "one hundred percent convinced" that the Capitals can make it to the postseason. "And I know that every player believes in it too."
Anticipation for first home game
Komarek missed his first possible home appearance at the beginning of September against HK Dukla Trencin due to injury – as well as all other preparation games, by the way.
On September 23, the veteran aims to celebrate his debut in front of the Viennese fans in the first home game of the new league season against Fehervar AV19. "The first home game will be special. I've never had the chance to wear the black and yellow colors before," Komarek says.
October 28 is also already marked in red on his calendar. That's when the Capitals will visit Red Bull Salzburg. "That will certainly be cool and emotional too. I had a good time there and am still friends with some people there."
