Ice hockey

The veteran and the rising star

Mutual respect: KAC goalie Sebastian Dahm and Manuel Nikolic.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Tyrolean ice hockey referee Manuel Nikolic will referee his 16th final game in the ICE Hockey League on Friday evening (19:30) and is one of the best in his profession in the international league. His compatriot Andreas Huber made his breakthrough this season and is regarded as a great hope for the future.

Nikolic has been one of Austria's top referees for years. This is his 12th season in the ICE, his eighth final series. "I'm getting old now," grinned the 34-year-old, who will referee game four between the Bulls and the KAC in Salzburg on Friday evening.

More than 500 league games
"Games like this are always great. There is some excitement involved, but at some point you also get used to it," said the Tyrolean. On December 30, he cracked the 500 league games mark during Innsbruck's match against Vorarlberg. In 2016, he was invited by the American Hockey League for four games. A great honor.

Successful season for Huber
Nikolic is also a mentor to Andreas Huber, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise. The two exchange ideas almost daily over the course of a playing year. "That forges a bond. I was also able to referee my first playoff game with him. It was a very successful season for me," said the young up-and-comer.

The 26-year-old from Innsbruck made the leap to the German professional league DEL, celebrated his playoff debut in the ICE and was nominated by the international association IIHF for the U20 World Championship in Great Britain. "I want to make it to the final next year." Andi will be a spectator in Salzburg on Friday, when his brother Mario and the Bulls will be aiming to equalize the series.

Twin brother follows suit
His twin brother Rene is also already working as a referee and will be promoted to the Alps Hockey League next season. "I've always made the most of my opportunities and performed at the right time. I wish the same for him," said Andreas Huber.