'Like a big brother': Austrian duo makes history with Halifax Mooseheads

When things get heated on the ice, Halifax Mooseheads forward Paul Sintschnig knows he can always count on teammate Nico Uschan to help him out.

The rookies from Austria have known each other for about a half-dozen years and have played on many teams together since then.

Sintschnig, 17, is a highly touted forward who was selected second overall in the CHL Import Draft this year, while Uschan, a 19-year-old defenceman, was selected 81st.

"On the ice sometimes when I get in a scrum, [Nico] will protect me, so it's like a big brother for me," said Sintschnig.

And while Uschan looks out for Sintschnig on the ice, he does even more of it off the ice.

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"I try to push him, try to give him some confidence when he has a bad shift and stuff like that," said Uschan. "I'm here for him."

Being the second-overall pick in the import draft comes with a lot of expectations to contribute to the team. Sintschnig is tied for fifth in team scoring so far, with six points through nine games.

Sintschnig celebrates his first career goal with the Mooseheads during a Sept. 19, 2026, home game against the Moncton Wildcats. (Trevor MacMillan/Halifax Mooseheads)

He said playing junior hockey in Canada will help him achieve his goal of playing in the NHL, but said he's not trying to focus on that.

"I [already] put too much pressure on myself, so I need to calm down a bit," he said.

With it being Sintschnig's draft year, Uschan said he especially wants to help Sintschnig as much as possible.

"It's for sure a lot of pressure for him, but you have to, like, cut it out of your head," said Uschan.

Defenceman