Gregor Baumgartner: From Laval to Gmunden

Austria's second NHL draft pick, years before Thomas Vanek. Gregor Baumgartner has seen a lot over the past thirty years, both on and off the ice. From the TV studio to the youth coordinator of the ÖEHV, General Manager at Black Wings Linz, now with the Traunsee Sharks Gmunden: the journey has been a long one.

In the current episode of „The Magic Triangle“ we speak with Gregor Baumgartner about his career path as well as his career as an active hockey player. Also about his work in youth development, the structures, coach training, and other challenges in domestic youth hockey. On one hand, often short-term thinking in clubs that, under sporting and economic pressure, often do not act with a long-term perspective. Coupled with perhaps a lack of patience in implementing new concepts. On the other hand, about structures in youth development and coach training, where there is still room for improvement, especially when transitioning to adult hockey. Omnipresent, sometimes also infrastructurally driven challenges included. Currently, he is (part-time, ed.) working as a coach and sports director at the Traunsee Sharks Gmunden in the ÖEL, the highest (except Maribor) purely Austrian league in domestic ice hockey. Here, he advocates for more cooperation between clubs, more community building, and greater club loyalty. Not without aiming to advance the quality of training for both players and coaches. Enjoy listening to the latest episode of „The Magic Triangle“!