The Swiss Roger Bader has led Austria's national ice hockey team back into the limelight. Now a special tournament awaits the Austrian national team coach with the World Championships in Zurich.
13.05.2026, 04:30
13.05.2026, 06:51
SDA
Roger Bader is the strong man in Austrian ice hockey. Born in Winterthur, the Zurich native has led the neighboring country out of its slumber and caused a stir with his strong performances at the last two world championships. Last year, Austria reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 31 years. As a result, the national team was voted Team of the Year in their own country for the first time ever.
Now the World Cup in Zurich will be a home tournament for Bader, with Austria playing its preliminary round matches in the Swiss group. In an interview with Keystone-SDA, Bader talks about his second home country Austria, the public perception of the Patrick Fischer case in the neighboring country and why his long-time friend Arno Del Curto is no longer part of the Austrian World Championship team.
Roger Bader, a World Championship in Zurich, how much does it feel like a home tournament for you?
Of course it's something special when the World Championship takes place in your own country. I've lived in Kloten for years. However, it has no influence on my job. I won't do anything differently than I did at the recent tournaments in Prague or Stockholm.
You've been working for the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation for twelve years and have been national coach since 2017. How much Austria is in you now?
You never lose your origins, of course. I remain Swiss and I'm proud of it. But after twelve years, Austria has become a second home for me. I've made many friends there and appreciate a lot of what I've learned in the country.
Can you elaborate on that?
I think the Swiss and Austrians are basically similar - both are Central Europeans. Perhaps the Austrians are a little more relaxed, we Swiss tend to be stricter. This 'just get on with it' mentality in Austria is something I really appreciate. Overall, everyday life there is just a bit more relaxed.
And vice versa: what do you particularly appreciate about Switzerland and the Swiss?
In Austria, we Swiss are perceived as very reliable, punctual and professional. That also applies to me personally. Austria is certainly a bit more relaxed in private, which can be very pleasant. At work, however, I remain as I am - I am Swiss and approach my work as such.
Expectations are high in Switzerland after two recent silver medals at the World Championships. What is the starting position in Austria after the recent successes?
The Austrians are perhaps a little different to the Swiss - very much between elated and saddened to death. I always say: Be happy that you have a Swiss national coach. I'm the one who radiates professionalism.
But yes, the last two world championships were certainly outstanding, both in terms of results and charisma. We had some really good games. But it wasn't so long ago that we were still playing for the title. We won't forget that. That's why our first priority is to stay in the A group. After that, we can set new goals.
With the loss of the two NHL forwards Marco Rossi and Marco Kasper due to injury, you are missing two important key players this year. How can you make up for this loss?
Of course it hurts. When the two withdrawals came, we had to swallow hard. We're missing their qualities, especially offensively. We're also missing other good players (like SCB forward Benjamin Baumgartner - ed.). But we can't change that. We have to find solutions and put other players in charge.
A good start to the tournament is considered crucial - this is probably particularly true for Austria in Zurich, as Great Britain, Hungary and Latvia are the supposedly easier opponents at the beginning.
In the past, we've usually had the decisive games towards the end of the tournament, but this time they'll be right at the start. That's new for us. But in the end, you can't influence the schedule. We'll take it as it comes. The first game against promoted Great Britain will be extremely important. That will be a tough fight.
Then comes the clash with Switzerland. You're familiar with games like this, but is it still something special on home soil?
There have already been some special matches against Switzerland. In my first duel in Copenhagen in 2018, we got a point, and in Prague in 2024, we came close to a surprise for a long time and only conceded 5:6 in the final minute. A year ago in the quarter-final (0:6), we had no chance. Of course, the Swiss are the favorites this time as well, winning nine out of ten games against us. But the day will come when we beat them.
Your friend Arno Del Curto was part of the Austrian World Cup squad from 2022 to 2024, but last year the long-serving HCD coach was no longer there. Is that chapter closed?
Our friendship still exists. But Arno is now of a certain age and has decided for himself that he no longer wants to do that. A World Cup is also very intense for the coaching staff. He will certainly watch one or two games and maybe even drop by the team hotel. He has already visited us once in Feldkirch during the preparations. But he's definitely no longer on the staff.
The Patrick Fischer affair has caused quite a stir here in Austria. How was the issue perceived in Austria?
Of course it was also in the media in Austria, although logically less intensively than in Switzerland. Basically, people were surprised that it became public so late in the day. I think everyone regrets that he can no longer coach at this World Cup. I think everyone in ice hockey circles sees it that way.
Can you understand the excitement?
I don't want to go too far out on a limb here. I get on very well with Patrick Fischer and I think it's a shame that he can't coach this World Cup. But I don't know enough about the background and only know what's in the media. That's why I can't allow myself to make a final judgment. Basically, it's just a shame what happened.
Your contract was recently extended until 2028. Doesn't it appeal to you to coach another team in the National League at some point?
Of course, it's always somewhere in the back of my mind. It would be a lie to say that it doesn't appeal to me. At the same time, I love my job as a national team coach, it's a completely different task than at the club. I've felt extremely comfortable in this role for over ten years. But of course, if the opportunity were to arise at a professional Swiss club at some point, I would certainly listen to it. But basically, I really enjoy my job as Austrian national team coach.
Have there been any concrete offers in recent years?
There have been loose talks from time to time, but never a concrete offer. Probably also because everyone knew that I had a contract in Austria. And perhaps also because Austria is still somewhat under the radar in Switzerland.
If you could make one wish for this World Cup, what would it be?
In sporting terms, of course, I'd like us to stay in the league and then perhaps surprise everyone in a positive way. And emotionally, I hope that we perform in such a way that everyone who loves the Austrian national team is proud of us and enjoys our team.
