There, the former defenseman didn't just set the tone with stick and puck, but also readily with his fists. The nearly 1.90-meter tall and over 90-kilogram heavy Stewart also took on his opponents when the opportunity arose. Capitals legend Phil Lakos once ranked him among the three toughest fights of his career.
In the league, Stewart was feared for his toughness; throughout his career, he amassed over 1,000 penalty minutes and earned the nickname "Iron Mike".
But he didn't just put his body on the line for VSV. In 2005, Stewart acquired Austrian citizenship and competed in three World Championships, two of which were in the Top Division, for Red-White-Red.
14 Years in Germany
After ending his playing career in 2010, Stewart moved directly to the coaching bench in Villach.
In 2012, he received a call from Germany, where the former NHL first-round pick worked as a head coach for the last 14 years in Bremerhaven, Augsburg, Cologne, and most recently for five years in Wolfsburg.
The Capitals are now banking on this experience. The start was extraordinary – with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, 1,300 fans flocked to the Steffl Arena.
Stewart was overwhelmed by the turnout: "It's so beautiful outside, it's over 30 degrees Celsius, you could be doing other things than coming to an ice rink. The fact that so many fans still came here to support us, that means something."
New Optimism Justified This Time?
While there has been a sense of optimism repeatedly in recent years, this time it seems better founded. With what is once again the highest player budget in the club's history, expectations are correspondingly high.
The already "very strong" core was supplemented, among others, by star defenseman Nick Bailen, long-time national team player Konstantin Komarek, and former NHL forward Jakob Lilja.
This is intended to reconnect them with the top teams. "We have already addressed our goals internally," says Stewart. For him, the process is "damn important" – it began with the first official ice practice and should only conclude after the season.
"I know we will be measured by wins and losses," Stewart says, "but from the start of the season to the end, it never goes steeply uphill. There will be ups and downs, but we still want to constantly improve".
If the development proceeds in the right direction, at the end of the season, you would have a team where everyone stands up for each other. "With this attitude, you can make a difference."
Boss, Not a Dictator
Passion is also among his fundamental principles. You can always lose, but it's about the "how".
"Did the opponent feel us? Did we give everything until the end?" the new coach wants to see full commitment until the last second. "We want to have the mentality that we can win every night. That is also part of the development."
Ich bin der Boss, aber kein Diktator.
Along the way, Stewart always wants to have an open ear for his players; his office door would be open. "I am the boss, but not a dictator," Stewart emphasizes. The players would know they could come to him at any time – in good times and bad.
Stewart: "Discussions don't always have to be nice and flowery. Through this open communication, we can improve." That way, he would also learn from his players.
Emotional Homecoming in October
In the coming weeks and months, it's up to him to forge a team from existing and new puzzle pieces that embodies his virtues. And fun shouldn't be overlooked.
The 54-year-old certainly hasn't lost his Austrian charm ("Schmäh") after his long time in Germany. Nor has he lost his unmistakable Carinthian accent, which he acquired during his time in Villach.
That's why a date is boldly marked in his calendar: October 4th. On that day, the Viennese will visit VSV. "I am now thoroughly a 'Capital', but it will be a nice moment," Stewart says.
And he puts emotions aside: "Ultimately, we want to win."
