Wipptal Broncos: The defense is the Achilles heel

Wipptal's sports director Egon Gschnitzer was not to be envied this summer. After the semi-final exit in the 7th game against the eventual champions Rittner Buam, long-time captain Fabian Hackhofer and reliable defender Michael Messner indicated that they would hang up their skates. That's what happened. It was also already clear at the time that Derek Topatigh, one of the best defenders in the entire league, would leave Sterzing after just one year and return to North America. Replacing this trio is almost impossible. Nevertheless, Gschnitzer had a plan.

This plan was thwarted at the beginning of July by a training accident involving Jakob Rabanser. The 24-year-old goalkeeper tore his Achilles tendon during fitness training. This meant that the season ended prematurely for the 2-meter giant. Gschnitzer immediately turned down the possible Topatigh replacement, with whom he had already practically agreed, and began looking for a new goalkeeper. Because Jacob Smith and Rudy Rigoni turned him down, the sports director looked for a foreigner and found one in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Groh is the new number 1 Domink Groh will guard the Sterzing goal next season. The 26-year-old has so far earned his money in his Czech homeland, especially in the second highest league. "Because Groh was described to me as a mediocre to good goalkeeper in the Czech 2nd league, it was clear to me that I was getting a very good goalkeeper for the AlpsHL. Although he offered fluctuating performances in the preparation, I am convinced that Groh will be one of the three best goalies in the league," enthuses Gschnitzer.

The "Wild Horses" back line is not only lacking in quantity, but also in quality and, above all, experience. Alessio Niccolai and Daniel Soraruf, at 23 years old, are the lead stallions and are supported by Johannes Gschnitzer and Alexander Brunner. The young foals Liam Nardon, Gabriel Nitz and Jan Frenademez have the necessary talent. The oldest player is supposed to make up for the lack of experience in defense: 34-year-old James Livingston will help out at the back. The trained striker has a wealth of experience and is a tireless worker.

Capannelli & Livingston are about to become citizens Despite everything, Gschnitzer has not yet given up hope of further foreign reinforcements for the defensive department: "After all, the two Canadian strikers Adam Capannelli, whose ancestors came from Italy, and James Livingston, who is married to a woman from Milan and whose child was born in Italy a year ago, are about to become naturalized. If that happens, we will certainly not react too hastily. After all, the youngsters should get match practice, take on responsibility and develop well for the future."

Adam Capannelli (number 29) is about to become a citizen.

Capannelli came to Sterzing from the IHL last summer, as did the two already naturalized players Connor Sanvido, who had to take a break for several weeks due to injury, and Bryson Cianfrone. All three strikers had no problems adjusting and have several things in common: they are small, but extremely agile, technically skilled and have a good shot. Together, the trio scored an impressive 3 points in 150 games and thus played a significant role in the Broncos' best performance to date in the AlpsHL.

These three are joined by another Canadian with a dangerous goal, Philippe Sanche. The 3-year-old, versatile whirlwind is considered a crazy bird with a big fighting spirit and good hands. The established Paul Eisendle, Alex Planatscher and Alex Zecchetto as well as the cooperation players of HC Pustertal such as Lukas De Lorenzo Meo and Thomas Galimberti are supposed to support the young strikers around Jonas Kerschbaumer, Luciano Zandegiacomo and Paul Mantinger.

Sjöquist remains the boss on the bench Johan Sjöquist continues to be in charge on the coaching bench. The 49-year-old Swede is assisted by Hungarian Aron Kecskemeti. "Johan has done an excellent job. He is very popular with the players because he takes time for everyone. He is a coach with a carrot and a stick approach and an advocate of fast ice hockey, for whom a lot of running is paramount," says Gschnitzer. The sports director is aware that it will be difficult - if not impossible - to repeat last year's fairytale: "Our goal is a play-off place. Everything that comes after that is an encore."

AlpsHL Austria	SP	TV	P
1. Kitzbuhel	5	25:9	12
2. Salzburg II	6	14:18	12
3. Jesenice	4	14:8	9
4. Rittner Buam	5	16:13	9
5. KHL Sisak	3	19:6	7
6. SG Cortina	3	8:4	7
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Wipptal Broncos: The defense is the Achilles heel

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