Wild for Minnesota: Marco Rossi is “better than ever”

The 20-year-old wants to gain a foothold in the NHL. He trained long and hard for this.

von Peter Karlik

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Marco Rossi completed two games for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and spent the remainder of the season with Farmteam Iowa, where he broke the rookie points record. “I haven’t made it yet,” said the 20-year-old from Vorarlberg on Saturday in Vienna at an appointment in Vienna organized by his partner Moser Medical.

In the season that begins in October, Rossi wants to make his breakthrough in the NHL and become a regular. The conditions are promising. Firstly, Minnesota gave up a strong playmaker in Kevin Fiala to Los Angeles, secondly, they have a problem with the salary cap (so cannot sign an expensive player). And thirdly: “As of now, I’m in better shape than ever.”

Rossi is bursting with self-confidence, but approaches the task with humility as usual: “A center position would be free at the moment, but I’ll have to earn it first.” He worked hard for this over the summer and improved his “skills” with renowned coaches. worked. “Especially shooting and ice skating,” explains Rossi.

A bad experience will also help him on his way. After heart muscle inflammation as a result of a Covid infection, his career was at stake in January 2021. “Marco wasn’t allowed to do any sport for six months. We’ve had a lot of conversations that weren’t regarding hockey. This time allowed his personality to continue to mature,” said father Michael.

In recent weeks, the Rossi family has also received a visit from Minnesota journalist Michael Russo, who published his home story on the popular sports site theathletic.com.

Bester Rookie

The fact that he had 53 points in 63 games in the American Hockey League the following season is remarkable. And a good step for Rossi: “I played an average of 23 minutes, which is a lot for a striker. I might be on the ice in all situations. It was ideal following the break.”

The journey to North America begins on September 4th. The best rookies from all NHL teams meet in Washington. Minnesota sends Rossi there. Photos and recordings are produced there. Training will start in Minnesota on September 14th.

But alone. “I will stay in the hotel,” says Marco Rossi. He asked his father not to come until November. “I want to do this alone now.”

Because Michael Raffl moved from Dallas to Lausanne and Detroit’s Marco Kasper is parked at Rögle, Rossi will be the only Austrian in the NHL this year.

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