Before the ICE start: The captains in a double interview

What does it mean to you to lead your team on the ice as captain? Daniel Frank: “It is a great honor for me to lead the HCB as captain. In the past there have been many great players in Bolzano who wore the “C” on their chest. That’s why I have a lot of responsibility and also feel a bit of pressure.” Raphael Andergassen: “I am proud to be able to serve as captain. But not much will change for me. I may have a letter on my jersey, but the game itself remains the same.” “The 6-0 win against Bolzano gave us a lot of self-confidence and a good feeling for the first games.” Raphael Andergassen How did the preparation for the season go? Other streets: “We had a good preparation with lots of games. These were constant ups and downs and made us realize what we still need to improve. The 6-0 win last Saturday against HCB Südtirol gave us a lot of self-confidence and a good feeling for the first championship games. It was a very long preparation, which is why no one can wait for it to finally get started.” Franc: “The preparation was great. The 10 days in Corvara brought us players together. Not only did we train a lot together, we also did a lot together outside of the ice rink. We have learned a lot and made progress in the last few weeks.” What has changed in your team compared to last season? Other streets: “The summer of 2021 was not easy for us. Nobody really knew what to expect after the jump from the AlpsHL to the ICEHL. Now we know the league and the opponents. That’s definitely an advantage.” Franc: “A lot has happened in the last few months. After the last year of the epidemic, in which there were no successes, many foreigners were exchanged. But we also had to accept some painful losses: the two leading players Anton Bernard and Marco Insam cannot be replaced equally. In any case, we are facing a new start.” “Participation in the play-offs is a must after the messed up last season.” Daniel frank What is possible for your team in the upcoming season? Franc: "Very much. Participation in the play-offs is a must after the messed up last season. I am convinced that we will make it to the quarter-finals.” Other streets: “I think anything is possible. A lot starts from the first games. I hope we get off to a better start than we did a year ago. Last season we were already in play-off mode from November; every game was already a final. I hope we can avoid that this time.” What can fans look forward to? Franc: “We have a good mix of young and experienced players. In addition to some physically strong players who can clean up properly, there are also technically skilled cracks with playmaking qualities.” Other streets: “We are a fast team that works hard and never gives up. There are also one or two “magicians” who are always good for an element of surprise and will delight the fans.” What needs to be improved? Other streets: “We are only at the beginning and are far from perfect. We need to improve in several areas so we can play our best hockey in the spring.” Franc: “We are currently worried about the defense. There we were mercilessly shown our weaknesses by HC Pustertal on Saturday. We also ran into counterattacks a lot during preparation. We still have a long way to go and a lot of work ahead of us.” They played against each other twice in preparation. What do you think about the HCB or HCP? Other streets: “HCB Südtirol can be assessed as stronger than last season. There is a lot of experience and talent in the team. There are players who have won titles in the past. Above all, the local players in Bolzano know what is important and how to win.” Franc: “HC Pustertal is once again a top team. I rate them even stronger than last winter. It's a team that never gives up and has 2 very strong goalkeepers. I trust the “Wolves” to do anything.” With Asiago there is now a 3rd team from Italy. What do you think the newcomer can do? Franc: “It's a big step for Asiago, but it's doable. HC Pustertal showed us how to do it last season. A third club from Italy is good for local ice hockey. This will give more local players the opportunity to play at a higher level.” Other streets: “Anything is possible for Asiago. The players aren't bad on paper. If they hit the ground running, the newcomer can do anything. For us it’s one more derby.” Who will be champion? Franc: “I hope the HCB Südtirol. But Salzburg will be the favorites.” Other streets: “I don’t want to commit myself. The league is very balanced. All 13 teams are playing to win.” Interview: Kurt Platter

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. Klagenfurt	47	183:101	102
2. Fehervar	46	146:126	89
3. Salzburg	46	142:107	87
4. HCB South Tyrol	46	137:125	76
5. Linz	46	146:116	75
6. Villach	46	155:136	74
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Before the ICE start: The captains in a double interview

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