Kloten striker Diem (26) stops at his peak: “Hockey no longer fulfills me”

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It was liberating to finally be able to say it. “I stop.” After this season, Dominik Diem will hang up his skates. At 26 years old. And despite the contract option in Kloten. “It is a very personal subject,” says Diem, before providing insight into his thoughts. Open, honest – and above all impressively self-reflective.

The striker is giving up what is a dream job for many (hockey) teenagers. “Becoming a professional was once a dream for me, until I made it come true. But the passion simply became a job. It’s about finances, not about fun anymore.” Dien chooses his sincere words carefully. Because it is not a short-term action.

Thoughts have been circulating around this subject for a long time. Questions bother him – and he answers them honestly. «Over the years I realized that hockey no longer suited me. That motivation decreases and the fun is missing. It is no longer allowed, it is rather a must.”

The Zurich native stood out as a talent early on. Diem, who attended the Rämibühl gym in Zurich, entered the draft list in 2014 as a ZSC youngster. The then – and current – ZSC coach Marc Crawford (62, Ka) is enthusiastic about his striker and emphasizes that he has what it takes for the NHL. Naturally, Diem celebrated the fact that he was a draft candidate at the time. But when he wasn’t signed, ‘I wasn’t disappointed at all. North America didn’t appeal to me.”

After three years of appearances in the NL with the Lions, Diem moved to EHC Biel in 2017 before returning to ZSC in 2019. During these years he earned two selections to the Swiss national team prospect camp. His qualities are undisputed, but every now and then the impression remains that Diem has even more to offer than he shows. “In hockey you have to be 100 percent focused, both physically and mentally.” He can’t always do it.

A burden falls from Diem’s ​​shoulders

Diem shared his doubts early on with his older brother Ramon (29), who took the amateur path with the GCK Lions after a promising junior and SL time. «I talked a lot with him and my family. Not about hockey itself, but about my emotions about it. He strengthened me and told me that I would recognize the moment when I no longer feel hockey.”

The moment has come. “Hockey no longer fulfills me.” His family understands him, “they want me to be happy and find something in my life that gives me satisfaction.” Diem is not worried that there will be many people who cannot understand his decision, because he stands by it.

That shows strength. Because some players in the same situation would probably stick around for another year or two and collect the six-figure annual salary. Not Diem. He openly informed the club that he was ending his career and told the team today. It’s a weight off his shoulders, but that doesn’t mean he’ll take the rest of this season lightly. «As a player I am professional enough to get through the whole season and do my best for this team. That is what is close to my heart.”

No concrete plans, but lots of ideas

That is why Diem emphasizes that his decision has nothing to do with EHC Kloten, where he only moved this year from his cantonal rival. “I would have everything a hockey player could want here.” He wants to enjoy the coming months with his teammates, win with them and enjoy again. Maybe he can do that better now.

And then? Diem has no concrete plans for his professional life after his professional career, but he does have a lot of ideas about what he might like. After this conversation, you can sense that the currently 26-year-old is at peace with himself and his decision. He certainly won’t regret it. «Of course a championship title would have been great. But that will not cloud my reflection on my career.”

Source : Blick