After attending the NHL rookie camp of the Edmonton Oilers, Chris Baltisberger is off to a flying start to the 2014-15 season for ZSC Lions Zurich. The team needs his offensive touch in Vienna on Tuesday if it hopes to advance to the next round of the Champions Hockey League.
by Andreas Reiner
It's been a busy summer and autumn for ZSC Lions Zurich right winger Chris Baltisberger. After training with the Zurich club and playing the first four CHL games, he went overseas to attend the rookie camp of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers. In his first game back he scored the overtime winner in a huge Game Day 5 win against the Vienna Capitals to keep his team's chances of winning Group B alive.
"I was happy to be back on the team after the camp with the Edmonton Oilers and of course it was nice to get the win and I’m always happy when I can help with a goal," he said immediately after the game on 23 September. "And of course I’m happy that we got that extra point."
The extra point won't be good enough this time, however; Zurich need to win in reguation time to finish first in the group and guarantee their place in the "sweet 16".
Since that game, Baltisberger, who turns 23 at the end of October, has kept the level of his play high. He has six points in eight Swiss NLA games to go along with five points in five CHL contests.
Chris, what's the reason for your great start this season?
It's difficult to say. Right now the atmosphere within the team is great and it's a lot of fun. In addition, I have two national team linemates, which makes it easier for me and I can learn from them every day and that helps my game.
Other than the NHL camp, is there anything different about this season compared to last?
I finished the Swiss military academy this year. I've also hired a personal trainer to improve in specific areas.
NOTE: Young athletes in Switzerland have the option to complete their mandatory military service in 13 weeks and can train together with other athletes instead of attending the regular school.
You need a victory in regulation time on Tuesday to finish the group on top. How do you hope to achieve that against a Vienna team that put you under pressure in the last game?
I think the start of the game will be important. We took too many penalties in the last game against Vienna, so we need to improve there. It'll be important to stand solid at the blue line and not give them any scoring chances and at the same time create chances that we need to capitalize on.
How will Head Coach Marc Crawford prepare you for this game?
We are aware that we need a win in regulation to if we want to win our group. We'll try to get into the game with high intensity and a high tempo. Marc Crawford will prepare us in the best way possible. The Vienna team is strong on defence so it'll be important to play a simple game.
What personal impression do you have from the CHL group stage so far and the CHL itself?
The Champions Hockey League is very well organized. We have the chance to compete against the best teams in Europe. I find the trips abroad helpful as they're great to strengthen the team spirit. We always have a lot of fun together, are very motivated and we're aiming high with our goals. Personally, it's a great opportunity to develop my game. In the Champions Hockey League I can challenge myself against the best European players.