Player Spotlight: Reto "eTschitsch" Ulrich

SportsGamers, the Player Spotlight series is making its return with the objective of showcasing gamers that would perhaps otherwise fall outside normal reporting, but that we want to get to know better. Our strength is this community, so let's get to know each other!

Right in time we are back with yet another Player Spotlight! The first week in the 8th season of the German Championship League is on its way - so it's the perfect time to take a closer look at Reto "eTschitsch" (@afc_Tschitsch) Ulrich. Goalie of the reigning GCL champion ZSC Esports from Switzerland!

1. What was your first experience with the EASHL mode in NHL?

I started playing in NHL09 with Claudio @Freeman7187 Salamoni. We started playing 2v2 where all remaining positions were played by the AI. After a few years I stopped playing until Claudio contacted me in 2018 again. They were in need of a Goalie for the former "The Black Jacks". That's when I started grinding again.

2. What do you value most in playing for ZSC Esports?

It makes me extremely proud to be part of this team and represent one of the biggest clubs in the country. Furthermore ZSC is my childhood club. So it's even more special to me.

3. Describe your perfect day!

Sleeping until 11am. Have a good workout in the gym and spending the rest of the day in Zürich, enjoying the sun and having good dinner.

4. You are GM for a day and get to pick any player for your 6v6 team. Who is in your perfect ECL lineup and GCL lineup (only DACH-players)?

ECL Lineup:

LW: @NikkeDangles C : @Eki RW: @FlyerKungen

LD: @Toneee9 RD: @Tuukka.R (KingOfApes_)

G: @uhNikke

GCL Lineup:

LW: @IDangledYouOut C : @PlaymakerSJ RW: @Freeman7187

LD: @Toneee9 RD: @Haldeem
G: @PLA77NER

5. Do you play hockey in real life?

I played 14 years for ZSC Lions Youth teams. When I was 18 years old I had to end my career due to an injury.

6. What's your best hockey memory?

There are several moments I like to remember. I was able to play with great players who paved their way to the NHL. Such as Kevin Fiala, Jonas Siegenthaler, Denis Malgin, Sven Andrighetto and many more. But apart from that my biggest highlight was winning the Swiss Youth Championship back in 2012 and finishing as the top scorer of the league.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time besides playing NHL?

I love doing sports and having a good time with my friends. Spending time with my family is really important to me as well as travelling as much as possible.

8. Pizza with Pineapples. Yes or No?

NO!

9. What song do you listen to while playing an intense match in ECL?

Currently my favourite tune is "Good Vibe" by R.I.O. & Kyanu.

10. What's the background story to your PSN ID?

As a kid I fell in love with the Croatia kit at the World Cup 1998. My father bought me one and due to the fact that most of Croatias players name ended on "-cic" he told me that 'Cic" has to be my new name. A few friends started calling me that nickname and so it started its course until it eventually became "Tschitsch" instead of "Cic".

11. Who is the best player in the ECL?

This is a really tough question to answer. There are many great players and talents out there. But if I had to choose one I would pick @Eki. He is almost always able to make a difference and give his team the edge over the opponents.

12. What's your favourite dish?

As a Swiss there can be only one answer: cheese fondue.

13. What are your goals for this GCL and next ECL in NHL23?

For this GCL I will take the role as a backup goalie to have Mike @burban26 Müller and Christian @Fightlocke3 Schubert's back. But our only goal for this season has to be to defend the title. In the next ECL I would love to participate in the playoffs. In the past seasons we improved steadily and making the playoffs has to be the next step.

14. High scoring game or OT drama?

Since I'm a Goalie I will obviously take the OT drama. And personally I feel like I perform best when being under pressure.

15. What are your NHL career highlights so far?

My biggest highlight has to be winning the GCL7 title in the finals against Team LEISURE (now Deadly Phantoms again). After falling short in four finals it was a big relief to finally beat them. On top of that we were able to secure the title with three sweeps in a row and personally securing five shutouts in the postseason felt really good! The ECL 7 Lite title was also really special to me aswell as making it to the top of the ECL and playing there now for the 4th consecutive season.

16. Who should be featured next in "Player Spotlight"?

In the next spotlight I would love to see my Swiss fellowman Sven @Original-SnuS Julmi!

Feel free to also suggest who you'd want to see in the Player Spotlight-series. Also, if there are any questions you'd like us to add to the arsenal, let us know!