Last chance for HCD long-term favorite Marc Wieser?: The Spengler Cup title is still on his bucket list

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It feels like an eternity has passed since HC Davos last won the Spengler Cup: the hosts celebrated their last tournament title in 2011. Now you would think that the two identifying figures Marc Wieser (36) and Andres Ambühl (40) won twelve years ago were on the ice for this triumph because they too wear the HCD uniform for what feels like an eternity.

But that is a mistake: it was precisely in that season that both Graubünden tried their luck. Wieser stormed for EHC Biel, Ambühl for the ZSC Lions. They had to watch their HCD buddies hold the trophy aloft. In any case, Leitwolf Ambühl was there when he won the tournament in 2006. Wieser, on the other hand, still lacks this success in his career. Will he get the last chance for it this year?

The veteran’s contract expires after this season. What’s next for him? Wieser has no idea. “So far I have not felt any interest from the club to extend the contract,” says the striker. Wieser is aware that he is not high on this priority list. The future was recently determined with younger players such as Dominik Egli (25) or Davyd Barandun (23). In November, the arrivals of Luca Hollenstein (23), Nico Gross (23, both from Zug) and returnee Tino Kessler (27, from Biel) were announced.

Wieser wants certainty in January

“Age is a crucial issue for a sports director in this regard,” says Wieser. Such as the question of when and whether you want to initiate change. But for him, age is just a number. The father of the family is aware that he can no longer aim for a three-year contract. But Wieser would like to continue another season at HCD.

Although the open contract situation doesn’t distract him – he would like to know at the beginning of the year, “then I would like to know for sure.” A delaying tactic would make him angry. Especially because in his case the big question is: will this otherwise be the end of his career? If another club really tries to get him and even offers a two-year contract, Wieser would be open to a change again.

The former winger, who has avoided major injuries throughout his career, has become a role player. “But if a sports director decides to start a season with five foreign strikers, then you are just a side dish.” But Wieser has already proven this season that he still has what it takes to be more than that. Originally slated for the fourth line, the team’s second-oldest player has continually fought his way to the front. “My personal goal was to put pressure on the attackers on the front lines.” He succeeded.

Reserved the trophy spot in the display case

But just like the team, it has been ups and downs for him so far. Wieser isn’t running as smoothly as last season, “but just OK.” He explains that the playing system of the new coach Josh Holden (45, Ka/Sz) is completely different in certain areas than that of his predecessor Christian Wohlwend (46, Ajoie). It takes time for these automatisms to come into effect again. To finally win the Spengler Cup again, it has to work.

The highest feeling for Wieser so far was a final qualification in 2009, but the HCD failed in Minsk. «This tournament victory is still on my bucket list. There is a place reserved for the trophy in my display case, which motivates me.” He is grateful that his two daughters, Ella (4) and Nola (2½), have now reached an age where they understand what his job is and can cheer with their father when they go to the games. “The Spengler Cup is the highlight for the whole family,” says Wieser. And it’s still growing: in February, Wieser and his wife Ursina will become parents for the third time.

Source : Blick