Fresh face Peter Spornberger, joining ERC, aims for a triumphant DEL reinterpretation in Ingolstadt and a spot in the Winter Olympic team.
Peter Spornberger, a talented ice hockey player with aspirations of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, has joined ERC Ingolstadt to strengthen their defensive lineup for the upcoming PENNY DEL season.
The 32-year-old defender, who hails from Ritten, South Tyrol, Italy, is no stranger to the competitive world of ice hockey. His passion for the sport was evident at the age of 16 when he traveled alone from Ritten to Landshut to play for the EVL.
In recent years, Spornberger played for the Schwenninger Wild Wings in the DEL from 2021 to 2024. However, last season saw a small step back as he played in his home town with the HC Bozen in the ICE Hockey League.
The stress tests conducted by Dr. Holger Haverkamp, a practicing physician, were mandatory for Spornberger before he could join ERC Ingolstadt. The tests aim to make the players as physically exhausted as possible to evaluate heart function, a measure put in place following the dramatic cardiac arrest of Danish national player Christian Eriksen at the European Football Championship 2021. Spornberger's fitness level is impressive, allowing for a quick recovery after the tests. His wattage increased to 400, and his blood pressure rose to 200/100 during the tests, indicating good cardiac function.
The addition of Spornberger is part of ERC Ingolstadt's club's efforts to bolster their defense. He is officially listed among the defensemen for the team’s upcoming competitive season, joining a roster that includes a mix of national and international athletes. The club has been actively making moves to enhance their team, such as adding Peter Abbandonato and others.
Spornberger sees the tough competition in ERC's roster as a "good chance" to follow in the footsteps of players like Leon Hüttl. He also views the departure of Fabio Wagner from the ERC defense as a significant gap to fill.
The Italian national team, which is automatically qualified for the Olympics as the host nation, remains undeterred in their pursuit of Spornberger. Despite being cut as the last defender after the recent tournament preparation, Spornberger's Olympic dream remains undeterred. His primary goal for the upcoming DEL season is to secure a spot in the Panther defense.
The future prospects for Spornberger with ERC Ingolstadt appear promising, given the club’s confidence in signing him to reinforce defense. The team also seems ambitious for success, highlighted by recent roster enhancements and ticket sales for upcoming games. However, specific insights into Spornberger’s personal future achievements or contract length have not been detailed in the sources reviewed.
In a light-hearted moment, Kinder chocolate is given to players as a reward after the stress tests. This sweet treat serves as a reminder that even in the face of rigorous testing and intense competition, the spirit of camaraderie remains strong within the ERC Ingolstadt team.
[1] ERC Ingolstadt signs Peter Spornberger [2] Peter Spornberger joins ERC Ingolstadt [3] Peter Spornberger: ERC Ingolstadt signs Italian defender [4] ERC Ingolstadt's new signings
[1] Peter Spornberger, with his sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics and a passion for hockey, has joined the National Hockey League ($\text{NHL}$) affiliate, ERC Ingolstadt, to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming sports season.
[2] The 32-year-old defender, who excelled in the DEL with Schwenninger Wild Wings and HC Bozen, recently signed with ERC Ingolstadt, well-known for their competitive spirit and notable roster of both national and international athletes.
