The first season in Canada for Austrian defenceman Landan Viveiros was a work in progress.
“It took me a while, like a few months. It was like late December when I started to get into it,” said Viveiros, prior to the Sunday’s ice session at Troy Murray Arena for St. Albert Steel prospects and returning players. “I had to get used to the physical game. It’s a lot quicker here too.”
After trying out with the Steel last fall, Viveiros hooked up with the midget AAA St. Albert Raiders and in 34 games contributed two goals and nine assists.
“It was enjoyable. I fit in perfectly. The guys were good. The coaches were good.”
His goal this year is to play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Steel.
“I want to make the team and have a good season with them,” he said. “My shot and my skills need improvement and I’m working on it.”
The son of St. Albert product and NHL defenceman Emanuel Viveiros left his hometown of Klagenfurt to better himself as a hockey player.
“I was nervous. Scared. It’s something new.”
Viveiros, 17, lived with his grandparents in St. Albert and beefed up his five-foot-11 frame by chowing down on his grandma’s cooking.
“It was great. It helped me a lot,” said the Grade 12 student at St. Albert Catholic High School.
Viveiros grew up playing hockey in Austria. His last team before the Raiders was with Klagenfurter AC in the country’s U20 league.
“It was mostly skill, quick hockey. A lot of skating and less physical,” said the Austria U18 national team player who scored four goals in five games at the 2011 division two world junior championships.
Viveiros credits his dad for playing a major role in his hockey development.
“He’s helped a lot. He’s watched pretty much every game I’ve played in Europe.”
Emanuel was a multiple all-star during his Western Hockey League career with the Prince Albert Raiders and won a Memorial Cup in 1985. He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in round six (106th overall) in the 1984 NHL entry draft. In 29 games with the Minnesota North Stars, he had one goal and 11 assists. After stints in the International and American hockey leagues, he embarked on a lengthy pro career in Europe with various teams in Austria, Germany and Italy.
Emanuel was also among a handful of players that lobbied the International Ice Hockey Federation for permission to play for a country other than his own at the 2002 Olympics but was unsuccessful. He had competed at the 1986 world juniors for Canada and went on to represent Austria at the 2005 world championships.
Emanuel is currently coaching a pro team in Klagenfurt.
“His best advice was never quit. No matter what, keep going.”
ICE CHIPS: The Steel have eight pre-season games scheduled, starting Aug. 26 when they host the Sherwood Park Crusaders at 5 p.m. at Performance Arena. Their last exhibition before league play is Sept. 4 in Whitecourt against the AJHL champion Spruce Grove Saints.
In the regular season 16 teams play an unbalanced schedule of 60 games apiece. The Steel’s first game is Sept. 9 in Olds against the Grizzlys. The home opener is Sept. 16 against the Crusaders at 7 p.m. Playoffs start Feb. 23.
