Marco Prugger looks forward to the Spengler Cup

In the week between Christmas and New Years, Marco Prugger and Daniel Stricker will celebrate their debut as head referees for the Spengler Cup.  This honor will signify a high point of both of their careers.

Daniel Stricker already knows the atmosphere of the Spengler Cup. In 2001 he was present as a tournament Linesman.  He describes the Spengler Cup as a magnet: "This tournament interests anyone who has anything to do with ice hockey. To officiate at these games is a great honor for any referee who does not consider these championships as a run of the mill activity.  Margo Prugger from Bünden considers it an all time high for any amateur referee.

The search for perfection

The Spengler Cup is a very prestigious event. "I look forward to the Spengler Cup like a kid looks forward to Christmas," explained Marco Prugger. When he reads messages about the Spengler Cup and he considers the enormous media presence there is during that week in Davos, it makes him realize: "one naturally wants to do a good job at the tournament."

Daniel Stricker always on a constant quest for the perfect game is equally excited:  "Apart from officiating at the games, it will be just as interesting to meet people that I have not seen for a very long time."  In addition to that, he looks forward to having the time to keep track of other ice hockey games.  The opportunity to see other teams play is something he misses out on during the championship season.  Stricker is looking forward to conversations with the referees from Canada, Finland and Sweden: "When I exchange ideas with other referees, I definitely profit from the experience.  I am very interested in the different philosophies and means of problem solving which are found in their respective countries".

Ice hockey for the holidays

Both Prugger and Stricker can draw on long careers acting as referees. Neither ever played ice hockey in a club, but instead coincidentally fell into refereeing. These days, they get great enjoyment out of their hobby as referees, but their focus is definitely on their office jobs, where they alternate between working full and part time. The winter season is therefore particularly intense.  "I am fortunate enough to be able to coordinate my own team," explained Stricker who works as the head of a quality assurance at his company.  Despite this freedom, he has had to sacrifice 30 days of holiday for ice hockey this year: "This is my passion." Prugger goes on to talk about the intensive season. He returns home from the games each night after midnight, but by 7:30 am the next morning, he is back at his administrative office job: "It is not infrequent that the batteries are pretty empty."

A school of life

Despite their many sacrifices, neither would ever consider giving up their work as referees.  "I have profited in many ways from this experience, learning how to handle different sorts of people or difficult situations," explained Prugger who has lead games for 23 years. "I have been a referee for 17 years, and yet every day I am learning something new." Stricker reiterated.  The two referees have accomplished much in their careers.  With the Spengler Cup representing yet another highpoint, it will be difficult for both to find bigger goals to set now.

The Referees in Essence