A bombshell just before the start of the ice hockey season: Markus Spinell, long-time key player and icon of the Rittner Buam SkyAlps, surprisingly announced the end of his career on Thursday. The forward, who has spent his entire career with his home club, is hanging up his skates at the age of just 28.
The news comes as a surprise to many, because at 28, Spinell is actually in the prime of his ice hockey career. The player known as "Mödde" cited dwindling motivation and a lack of passion for the sport as the reason for his decision. After an impressive career, this decision has matured for him personally.
In Spinell, Ritten loses a fan favorite and one of the most successful players in the club's history. In 564 competitive games for the Buam, he collected 343 scoring points (148 goals) and made a significant contribution to an era full of success. His collection of titles is impressive: he became Italian champion five times, won the Alps Hockey League twice, plus an Italian Cup and four Italian Supercup titles. With his lightning-fast counter-attacks and technical finesse, the 14-time international drove his opponents to despair - a style of play that will be missed by the fans in the Ritten Arena.
Sports directors Dan Tudin and Alexander Eisath thanked their friend and long-time companion: "It's not easy for us to say goodbye, but we have to accept his decision. We experienced wonderful moments and celebrated great titles with him. We are all grateful to him for that and wish him all the best for the future."
Three questions for Markus Spinell
Markus, why are you ending your career as an ice hockey player?
Spinell: "To put it simply: I ran out of desire and time. As much as I enjoyed playing ice hockey, it's also a huge commitment that limits you a lot in your free time and even at work. I've been saying for a few years now that I'm running out of steam. Over the course of last season, I noticed it especially and decided that this would be my last year."
How do you look back on these ten years with the Rittner Buam SkyAlps?
Spinell: "Only good. And not just because of the titles. Sure, they were all nice, all special. But I had the most fun when I was able to get together with my friends and play ice hockey at training in the evenings. We always had great fun, even if we didn't win anything. I'm very grateful for that too, it was a great time."
What's next for you? Do you have any plans in ice hockey?
Spinell: "For now, I'm concentrating on other things, on my family and my free time. But I'll still play a bit of ice hockey, that's part of my free time. Going out on the ice with friends once a week is already possible. And at some point I might play again, but then with the 'Progetti On Ice'. But I'll have to turn 30 first, I'm not there yet (laughs)."
