Dominique Heinrich before an exciting World Cup farewell against Latvia!

Dominique Heinrich before an exciting World Cup farewell against Latvia!

Dominique Heinrich faces an emotional conclusion to his career in Austrian ice hockey on Tuesday, May 19, 2025. When he takes to the ice against Latvia, it will be his 127th appearance for the national team. At this World Cup, Heinrich could not only crown his performance as a player, but also end his sporting career. The game starts at 12:20 p.m. and the support of his family is particularly important to the 34-year-old defender.

After his contract with the Vienna Capitals was ended, Heinrich is considering what happens next for him. He has decided not to move away from Vienna because he doesn't want to leave his family behind. In order to be with his loved ones during the tournament, he even rented a house in Stockholm, where his family is visiting him. In particular, his wife will be traveling for the decisive game against Latvia. Heinrich has already played a remarkable 39th World Cup game in this World Cup, and the opening game against Finland was his seventh World Cup tournament.

A look back at the career

Dominique Heinrich has been active in ice hockey for two decades and has an impressive record with 20 goals and 16 scorer points in A World Championships. Overall, he ranks third among defenders in the history of the Austrian national team. Despite being only 1.75 m tall, Heinrich has shone as one of the team's best defenders for over a decade. “Defensive play is crucial,” he emphasizes, “and team chemistry plays a big role in our success.” [laola1] highlights.

Heinrich remembers numerous highlights of his career, including encounters with well-known players such as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovetschkin. His team boss Roger Bader sees Heinrich as an indispensable part of the team and praises the clear structure he offers the team. This positive cooperation gives Heinrich hope that the game against Latvia will not be his last. A quarter-final would be the perfect farewell for him.

The look into the future

Given his previous playing experience and the uncertain professional outlook after the World Cup, Heinrich is seriously considering that this tournament may mean the end of his career. His desire to stay close to his family becomes a deciding factor. The 34-year-old's future in the ice hockey world is currently uncertain, but he hopes to return to the spotlight with a strong performance at the World Cup. [hockey-news] reports that Heinrich could possibly officially announce the end of his career in the coming weeks.

The Austrian national ice hockey team has a long history in which it has taken part in numerous world championships, celebrating its first successes in the 1930s, such as the bronze medal in Krynica in 1931. Heinrich's end to his playing career would mark a significant change for the national team, whose games have given him great joy and many memories of late.

In view of this possible end to his sporting career, it remains to be seen whether and how Heinrich will shape his hockey career beyond the upcoming World Cup game. But one thing is certain: his contribution to Austrian ice hockey will not be forgotten. [Wikipedia] provides a comprehensive overview of the team's successes and development over the years.