Storhamar Hamar have made a name for themselves by winning a group they were expected to finish third in. In their last group game, a 5–1 win over Geneve-Servette, forward Alexander Reichenberg made a name for himself by scoring two goals – one of which has made highlight reels around the world. Now he reflects on his team's situation heading into unchartered territory – the CHL's Round of 32.
by Kristian Eng
HAMAR – Storhamar’s Alexander Reichenberg is bullish ahead of the Round of 32 games against Red Bull Salzburg. The 23-year-old forward took the limelight with a stellar performance in his team’s final home game against Geneve-Servette. He scored the first and fifth goals in a 5–1 drubbing of the Swiss club and was later lavished with accolades. A man-of-the-match award was followed by both Goal of the Round and later Player of the Round. We spoke to the man himself on the events of the last few weeks and the journey ahead.
Congratulations on being voted Player of the Round on Game Day 5 by the fans. How do you rate this accolade?
“It was just amazing being voted Player of the Round. I don’t quite know how the voting process works, but to be honest I didn’t even know I was nominated. When I got the news I felt very honoured. It is a great bonus and something I will definitely remember from my career.”
Can you describe what it was like to get two goals and see one of them make number one in the goal of the round competition?
“It was one of those games where most things came together for our line. The first goal (the one that made the highlight reels) came after a period of pressure in their zone. The puck came my way at a bit of height, so I had to bat it down and before whacking it. Of course there was a bit of luck involved, but if you don’t try you won’t succeed. The second goal came after some great play from our line and I just had to finish it off, really.”
Watch the highlights of the Storhamar Hamar vs Geneve-Servette game here. Starting at 0:30, Reichenberg gets an excellent chance to score, followed by a goal soon after. Then watch his second goal starting at 3:45.
Tell us a bit more about the CHL experience for you and the team this far.
“To play in the CHL has been an incredible experience. The games have been much tougher than we’re used to, but we have learned a lot from it. We have grown both as players and as a team from the experience. It’s great for us to be here and we just need to grab the opportunity and make the best of it.”
What are your thoughts on playing Salzburg and what ambitions does the team have?
“I think it will be a tough and physical encounter. I also think we can match them and that the fans can look forward to two great games of hockey. We will need big hearts to advance and naturally our aim is to go as far as possible. We didn’t win our group just to give in now. We’ll travel to Austria to show we’re a team with capital T!”