It’s been a year since Brian Lebler realized his dream when debuted for Austria in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia.
The Penticton minor hockey product said it gave him the chance to watch the best athletes in the world.
“The most enjoyable thing about playing in the Sochi Olympics was seeing what it took to be a top player in the NHL. Seeing their skill, speed and puck awareness,” said Lebler, who once played in the Anaheim Ducks organization in the American Hockey League and played in the Canucks Young Stars tournament in his hometown of Penticton.
Facing NHL talent, Lebler learned how fast they move the puck and was amazed at their hockey sense as they knew what to do with the puck before possessing it. Lebler brought that experience back his club team, the EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz in the Erste Banke Eishockey League.
“I think I played with a little more confidence after the Olympics,” wrote Lebler in an email. “My role with the national team and club team are very similar.”
Lebler is third on his team with 50 penalty minutes in 42 games and has scored 26 goals and 38 points.
Lebler has been happy with his play and the team as the season winds down. Last year the Black Wings Linz lost in the semifinals and Lebler said they just ran out of gas and didn’t have the edge needed to win.
Currently, the Black Wings Linz are second in the league with 20 wins, 13 losses, seven overtime wins and three overtime losses. They trail EC Red Bull Salzburg by six points for first place.
“Our toughest team has always seemed to be the Czech team HC Orli Znojmo,” he wrote. “They are a middle-of-the-pack team (21-15-3-4). They are fast and skilled and with our style it seems to be a challenge, but if you play them physical that is when you can change the game.”
Lebler’s stats put him 12th in league scoring behind his teammates Andrew Jacob Kozek and Rob Hisey, who occupy the top two spots. Lebler has been happy with his play, but knows he can do more and likes having that pressure. He continues to strive to be the best Austrian player in the league.
“There are a lot of good Austrian players and I think it is a process that I will be striving for my whole career,” said Lebler.”I think I need to always focus on my skating and speed. As well being consistent in bringing it every game no matter the circumstances.”
Lebler and his wife feel they are the luckies people in the world and they continue to love the European lifestyle.
“We also get to be back in Penticton for the beautiful summers, so we get that lifestyle as well,” he said.
