Paolo Duca Interview: From Captain to Sports Director at Ambrì

In this edition of "ABS Hockey Stories," we sat down with a true legend of Swiss hockey. We're talking about Paolo Duca.

A strong personality, a natural leader, honest to the core and never afraid to speak his mind. We wanted him to tell his story and share his way of seeing this sport. Raw and unfiltered.

Paolo read the interview and gave us his full approval to publish it.

Buckle up. This reading is not recommended for the overly sensitive.

Quick note up front: we conducted this interview a while ago, when Paolo Duca was still Ambrì's Sports Director. Since then, he has left the club and become CEO of EV Zug. The answers below reflect his views at the time of the conversation.

Symbolic image — this photo wasn't taken during the actual interview.

From Ascona to Ambrì

Paolo, let's start from the beginning. You grew up as a player in Ascona (Ticino). Until what age?

Until roughly the end of middle school. In Ascona the coach was Rostislav Chada (he stayed for four or five years), then he was hired by Ambrì, who had noticed the good work he'd done right there in Ascona. When he moved up to Ambrì, Rostislav told me: "You're coming with me!" Roberto Dazio came up with me as well — we were playing together. It was right between the old Mini and Novizi categories. You had to decide whether to take that extra step and grab the opportunity.

Long story short: a few years in Novizi and Juniori, and then I made it to the First Team. My first full season as a regular was in 1999/2000, at 18 years old. The year before (the year of the "Derby" final, just to be clear) I only had a few sporadic appearances.

How long did you stay in Ambrì after that?

Two seasons, from 1999 to 2001. I remember that the year after the final, Larry Huras was still there. The following season the coach was Pierre Pagé.

Then I decided to go beyond the Gotthard for my studies. I played one year in Zurich and five years in Zug, until 2007.

After that I returned "home" and played with HCAP until 2017, when I ended my playing career.

To sum it up: 13 seasons in Ambrì, one in Zurich, and five in Zug.

Crossing the Gotthard: Zurich, Zug, and Wrecked Knees

You were still young, but I remember you played several Playoffs beyond the Gotthard. I'm curious about your memories from that time.

Yes, Zurich reached the final against Davos during my first season beyond the Gotthard, but I had been traded right before the start of the playoffs to Zug. The trade was for Vjeran Ivankovic. He had won the title in Zurich the year before. Then he signed in Zug, but things didn't work out. So the ZSC called him back, trading him for me.

Funny thing is, when I left Ambrì, the two teams still "in the running" were exactly Zurich and Zug. In the end, I ended up playing for both.

In Zug I remember two good seasons, then in December 2004 I had to operate on my right knee. A reconstruction (natural graft) of the patellar tendon. I was on crutches for eight weeks. Then I had surgery on the left knee as well — same procedure. Another eight weeks on crutches, and then the long rehab started... and it lasted for years.

About a year after the first surgery I got back on the ice, but I was maybe at 50% of the strength and condition I had before. I can tell you that from age 20 onward I always struggled with my patellar tendons. Basically two chronic inflammations that eventually turned into necrosis. To give you an idea: the tendon was basically black. Dead. The doctors' goal was simply to get me walking again. Luckily, I even managed to get back to playing. It was rough.

I saw dozens of specialists everywhere. Nobody really knew what to do until I met Dr. Biedert at the Linden Clinic in Biel — a true authority on tendon issues, who operated on hundreds of elite athletes. There was no way around surgery. Anyway, let's talk about something else.

I also remember the playoffs against Rapperswil, quarterfinals. We were down 3–0 in the series, and then we turned it around 4–3. I was coming back from a six-game suspension (for a hard check). I returned in Game 4 and I remember being decisive (we won 6–5 in the shootout, I scored two goals and the fifth, decisive shootout attempt). From there we pushed the series to Game 7, where we steamrolled them — the word Duke uses is "schisciagèra," which in Italian dialect means "Rock Crusher." They had no chance.

The Number 46

Have you always played with number 46?

In Ambrì I started with 81. Number 46 was already taken by Bruno Steck. Then I went to Zurich, and guess what — Bruno Steck was there too (Duke laughs). So I took number 36. Then finally in Zug I managed to get 46, and I kept it until the end of my career.

Andy, if you're wondering why 46, let me tell you: Valentino Rossi hadn't won all those world titles yet.

The number is in honor of my mother (it's her birth year), who drove me back and forth from Ascona to Ambrì for years for practices, allowing me to chase my dream. My mother, just like Roberto Dazio's mother, Martina.

You chose hockey. Was there already passion for the sport in your family?

A bit, yes. My father "played around" in Ascona, I think in second or third division. Let's say there was a general interest in hockey, and in the family we were supporters of HCAP, but in a pretty mild way. As a kid I watched very few hockey games in general. We definitely weren't fanatics.

As a kid or teenager, did you imagine you'd become a professional hockey player?

The truth? Yes.

I always knew it in my head. (I look at him and smile, he looks back and smiles.)

Even once my career had already started, when Dr. Biedert told me that being able to walk normally again after the surgeries would already be a success, I told him: "You do the surgery — I'll take care of the rest!" I knew I'd get back to playing, and that's exactly what happened. My best years were in Ambrì, after the reconstruction of my patellar tendons.

From the U18 Worlds to the 2010 Home Championship

You also played for the national team. Want to tell me about that?

Hell yes!

My first major international tournament was the U18 World Championship in '97/'98 in Füssen (Germany). That was the year Cere (Luca Cereda, for the occasional reader) entered the NHL Draft. We had an incredible team. It was one of the last tournaments without direct elimination rounds (quarterfinals, semis, etc.) — you just counted points at the end. We finished tied on points with second and third place, one point behind first. We beat Russia, the Czechs... it was a great tournament.

Then I played two U20 World Championships. The first as an under-ager in Sweden. The second as captain in Russia, in Moscow. That's probably where I made that leap in quality — the push that really launched my career.

Then came the senior national team. At the end of the season, Ralph Krueger (the national team coach at the time) always called up several young players before the World Championship, to fill the gaps left by guys still playing playoffs with their clubs. So I often did the entire training camp leading up to Worlds... only to get cut at the very end. I just couldn't sneak into the party (laughs).

But when I returned to Ambrì, things changed. The national team was now coached by Sean Simpson, after the Vancouver Olympics. That was my chance to play the World Championship — in 2010, at 28 years old.

Do you remember how it went?

Of course I do!

We finished first in the group, beating Canada and the Czechs. A perfect first round. Then in the quarterfinals we lost 1–0 to Germany — the host team, even though we do-mi-na-ted them!

Twice as many shots, hit the posts all night... but we lost! (Duke makes a face, followed by a loud "Ziocane!", which we'll gladly allow here, but will not translate.)

As Gary Lineker used to say: football is a simple game — 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and in the end Germany wins. Turns out it applies to hockey too...

It was a competitive team. Any names you want to mention?

Andres Ambühl is the first name that comes to mind. I played on a line with Morris Trachsler (center) and Marcel Jenni (left wing). Nino Niederreiter was 18 and the extra forward. We had Roman Josi, Julien Vauclair, and Damien Brunner.

In goal: Martin Gerber, Daniel Manzato, and Tobias Stephan.

On defense: Timo Helbling, Steve Hirschi, Goran Bezina, Félicien Du Bois, Patrick Geering, Roman Josi, Mathias Seger (captain), and Julien Vauclair.

Up front: Andres Ambühl, Damien Brunner, Björn Christen, Thomas Derungs, Paolo Duca, Marcel Jenni, Romano Lemm, Thibault Monnet, Nino Niederreiter, Martin Plüss, Kevin Romy, Ivo Rüthemann, Paul Savary, Morris Trachsler.

By the way, Kevin Romy was my roommate during the tournament. Damien Brunner was my Jass partner — we won the team tournament together. I taught him how to play Coiffeur (a variant of the game).

Great team, great tournament!

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From Player to Sports Director

Let's jump to 2017. Was it easy to say "I'm done playing"?

Not at all!

Here's how it went: at the end of my career, around 35–36 years old, I actually felt better than when I was 21, considering all the knee problems I'd had. I was in shape, well trained, and physically I could've kept going for a few more years.

But it was a particular moment. That season we finished near the bottom of the standings. We had to play the playouts against Visp to stay in the league.

Filippo Lombardi offered me the position of Sports Director to help relaunch the club. I told myself: first let's save the house from burning, then I'll think about it.

Thursday: last game. Weekend: celebrations. Monday: I started the new job. That's literally how it happened.

So not even a short break?

Impossible. We didn't have a goalie, we were missing staff, and we didn't even have a single foreign player under contract.

Since you held that role for years, let us ask: what does a Sports Director actually do? Many people probably don't know, and it's worth explaining.

Basically? You're dancing all day long.

Let's say it's a management job, just like any company director.

First of all, you try to implement the sports strategy defined by the Board, and you're responsible for the National League team. You're in charge of the staff and how it's put together. You build the roster of the first team — meaning you choose the players.

But the biggest part of the job is the daily leadership of the "troops," trying to get the best performance out of every single person (staff included). Sometimes you need to give a pat on the back, other times you need to be tough, hold individual meetings, or meet players outside the professional environment. Sometimes you need to speak to their heart...

And when you realize that for some reason things aren't working, you have to act decisively and quickly. In sports there's very little time, and it's not easy to stay patient.

There's also a big administrative side: Swiss and foreign players have different needs. From playing licenses to work permits, insurance, housing, cars... basically everything that allows a player to focus exclusively on his profession.

Then there's all the planning: practices, road trips, games, friendlies, sponsor commitments, events in general.

A Sports Director also supervises the youth sector. It's a less hands-on role, but very important and one that requires proper delegation. Practically speaking, it means being in contact with families, schools, employers, and the military environment.

A DS also takes part in league and federation meetings. Often he's part of advisory groups and keeps in touch with other sports directors.

And last but not least, a good chunk of time goes into scouting — finding and evaluating new players. Many factors come into play: group dynamics, the physical condition of individual players, staying updated on the market, and above all acting when real opportunities appear.

Do you think being a former player is important for this role?

Let's say having been a player can help a lot. You face situations you may have lived through yourself. You also have a direct focus on certain aspects that can be decisive: proper behavior, what matters when building a team, and the technical parts of the game.

Maybe it's not absolutely essential to have played at a high level, but it's definitely a big advantage.

I'm also thinking about the relationship with players and scouting. There are many players out there. The personal reputation you built as a player turns into solid contacts and friendships within the hockey world. And that can only be an advantage.

Studying, Commitment, and "Human Qualities"

Let's take a step back. You and I met at university. I remember that day. Political Economy class. I recognized you and thought: "A PRO who also studies and finishes university. Respect!" Are there others like you?

Yes! And many more than people think. There are a lot of really sharp guys who play and study at the same time.

Is it something you encourage in young players? Given your own experience?

"Encourage" might be a bit strong. But I definitely support it actively. How could I not? And if you think about it, hockey itself benefits from it. For young players, cognitive development is important, and it carries over into the sports environment.

And you know me. Commitment, for me, is a life attitude. I don't think there's a switch you can turn on and off depending on the context. "I work hard in sports but not at school." Either you're committed, or you're not. Maybe it sounds a bit blunt, but it works. There's time to work hard and time to have fun.

In the end, investing in your personal development — academic or otherwise — helps a lot. It gives you balance and mental flexibility, both crucial for an athlete. A player has tons of information to absorb: the system, the opponents... even improving yourself as a player requires study and practice. Ideally, an athlete remains a student for their entire career. Talent alone isn't enough.

All this helps develop what one of my coaches used to call "Human Qualities": courage, resilience, grit, the ability to fall and get back up.

Hockey Then and Now

Has hockey changed compared to when you played?

I'd say yes, absolutely. Technically, a lot. The game is much faster today. The rules have changed too. I grew up with a type of hockey where hooking was allowed, as well as various forms of obstruction. For example, during the backcheck you could almost literally latch onto your opponent — he uses the term "Skilift."

Then in 2004 the zero-tolerance rules came in. As I said, today the game is faster, cleaner, and also less physical. Back then it was tougher. And dirtier. Much harder from that point of view.

More fun, though?

Of course! (laughs). I'm extremely competitive. Not just in games. If I think about how many times we ended up throwing punches during practice... When everyone's competitiveness is sky-high, it takes nothing for things to escalate. But it starts there and ends there. That's the beauty of hockey.

Players on the same team fighting during practice. Are you telling me that's normal?

It's normal if the environment is healthy. Hard to explain to someone who didn't grow up in hockey.

In practices where the level and intensity are high — in a team that's aiming for something — practices reach the pace of a real game. White jerseys vs blue jerseys. A small elbow, a stick in the mouth, a forced obstruction, the fact that there are no referees... A quick escalation actually shows an exceptional level of intensity.

The confrontation is fine, as long as it ends there. A scrap, and then you go grab a drink together.

With Pascal Müller — now Sports Director in Langnau — I couldn't tell you how many times we went at it when we played together, both in Zug and later in Ambrì. Almost once a week. Fight, then go have lunch together. We're still great friends today. We "beat each other up" just to win in practice and push each other.

This part has definitely changed. With the increase in speed and skill, it's normal that this fades a bit.

Team rosters have changed too. We used to practice with four full lines plus one or two young guys. Everyone played, more or less. It was harder to get accepted into the family (the team), but once you were in, everyone pulled in the same direction.

Now internal competition is very high. You're teammates and at the same time competing against each other. Five lines, maybe ten defensemen. Several guys don't play. Very different dynamics.

Another thing that changed is life around hockey.

Back then there was much more team life off the ice. Team outings, group activities. The team outing was THE team outing. That has really dropped.

To be fair, maybe we didn't always live like elite athletes... But it created a group that thought like this: "Last night we had fun — so tonight we have to perform and dominate even more."

Do you feel "old school" compared to today's hockey?

Well... maybe a bit, yes. Actually, I'd say yes.

Here's what comes to mind: when I started my pro career, there were no cell phones yet, let alone social media. Everything has changed.

Today, if you're with the team and someone acts like an idiot, ten minutes later the whole world knows — and your career might be at risk. The chance to decompress, release tension, let emotions out... that's gone.

A player carries a lot of physical and mental pressure. Always judged by everyone — media, fans, even friends and family. That's what I mean.

And on top of that, the level today is extremely high. Proper nutrition, rest, preparation — all crucial.

Back then, very few hockey players were also true athletes. Today, if you're not an athlete first, you can't be a hockey player.

Childhood Heroes and a Scout's Eye

Your hockey idol when you were a kid?

In my room I had a poster of Wendel Clark, the legendary captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, number 17. A franchise record-holder. He was a legend in Toronto, and toward the end of his career he got traded and ended up with the Quebec Nordiques for a season.

That very year I found myself in Quebec playing the Peewee Tournament. I was 12 or 13, and I saw him live with my own eyes. I was blown away. He had incredible energy, a competitive fire I had never seen in anyone before him — a real leader, raised on bread and fistfights (laughs).

The other poster was Chris Simon. Native American. Another tough guy — surprise, surprise (he laughs and tells me I don't need to write that, but how could I not).

We'd like to close with a recurring question in our interviews. We're a site that deals with hockey gear — specifically sticks. We watch games and our eyes go to the stick model before the actual play. As a player and later as a Sports Director, how does Paolo Duca watch a hockey game?

That's an interesting question. Off the top of my head, I'd say it depends on the level and on the game.

If I was on a scouting trip — say at the Karjala Cup, a super interesting national-team tournament usually held during the November break, almost always in Finland — I'd go watch games without any information on the players. I wanted to see who stood out without being influenced by prior research. No expectations.

Then, if someone caught my eye, I'd go look them up. And as you know from school, numbers and I get along pretty well.

If instead I was looking for a specific player, I'd first check his numbers, do my research on his character and personality, and then watch him live. Because in person you can pick up things numbers don't tell you — like his attitude on the bench, or his body language.

That's the difference between video scouting, advanced stats, and truly understanding the player as a person. The human side is fundamental.

In an ideal world, I would've wanted the tall, strong, young, smart player with leadership qualities, a scorer who's also defensively solid — maybe even handsome and charismatic. But let's be honest: there's the NHL out there, with 32 teams, each with a package of at least 30 players. The tall and handsome ones usually end up there.

If a player chooses our league, it's because somewhere there's a flaw, a "scratch." My job was to throw the hook and try to get someone to bite...

With Swiss players you build the team. Foreign players complete the roster.

Of course, the process is more complex than how I'm describing it now. But these are the thoughts that come to mind right away.

Thank you, Paolo! You're a person of great ethics and coherence. It's been a pleasure giving voice to your story. We thank you for allowing us to do so, and we wish you the best for your professional future. We could all use a bit of "DUKE" in us...

One more thing: code GETLUCKY is still live — 5% off, plus a shot at a free custom stick with your next order.

Want more interviews from the Swiss hockey world? Read our conversation with Luca Gianinazzi about his path from player to coach at HC Lugano. And if these stories have you craving your own custom stick: find all our custom models here.