Christian Feichtinger: “We did a lot right”

In the following s+ interview, the league managing director looks back on the corona-related difficulties of the season so far, talks about the biggest challenges and looks to the future. s+: Are you satisfied with how the ICE season has gone so far? ? Christian Feichtinger: “Under the circumstances, I am completely satisfied. Everyone involved, whether league, manager, club, player or referee, has made the best of the situation with maximum effort over the last few months. Our ultimate goal was to complete the 44 rounds by February 7th. Now we’re not far away.” What have been the biggest challenges so far? Feichtinger: “The biggest challenge was definitely getting the number of infections under control. We made important decisions at the right time. It was with a heavy heart that we had to cancel games at the start of the season - but it was the only option. The learning curve was steep; We now know how to deal with the corona pandemic. We canceled the season early last spring, repaired the damage as best we could and immediately worked on the current season. We have developed a return-to-play concept that has proven successful and has also been adopted by other European ice hockey leagues. That's why I think we did a lot right. In any case, we are doing very well in an international comparison.” Were there moments when you were concerned that the season would have to be canceled early? Feichtinger: “Everything was in limbo until the start of the season, which we had set for September 6th on August 25th. Until then we had to expect the worst. When it finally started, I was confident that we could do it together. We all had a common goal: to finally play ice hockey again. After a “forced break” at the end of October, we are now back on a very good track. The cooperation with the managers and those responsible was excellent. The last personal meeting took place on March 12th last year at the Ice Hockey Forum, when we presented the new television partner “PULS 24”. Since then, the world of work has changed completely. We only heard and saw each other on video conferences. For me it is the 21st season and certainly the most challenging but also the most interesting.” “We will definitely have a lot of joy in the future with what was born during the pandemic.” Christian Feichtinger How do you rate the level of this year's championship? Feichtinger: “I am very satisfied with the sporting level. Before the season, we all asked ourselves what the quality of the games and players would be. I can now say that I am pleasantly surprised. I saw a lot of great games, although the hot atmosphere in the stadiums is missing due to the fans being locked out. A lot of young players have matured. Some clubs have made a virtue of necessity and foregone some transfer card players. We will definitely have a lot of joy in the future with what was born during the pandemic.” Are you surprised that HCB Südtirol is leading the table? Feichtinger: “For me it is only important to create the necessary framework conditions. Our task was and is to ensure that the game continues without having to shorten the championship or freeze or cancel a phase. In the end, the best team should win.” How much are the spectators missing? Feichtinger: “The absence of spectators is of course very painful. I am happy about every single fan who can come back to the games as soon as possible. We are proud to have set up a streaming offer in a very short space of time so that, together with our TV partners, we can deliver every game to fans' homes. The ICEHL increased its media value by 13 percent year-on-year through December. The return to linear television with the new free TV partner “PULS 24” and the expansion of the streaming offering were crucial for this significant increase. Will there still be fans in the stadiums this season? Feichtinger: “Probably no one can answer this question at the moment. We are not called upon to make decisions and have complete trust in the political decision-makers. We have had the best experiences with them so far. The virus mutation doesn't make the whole matter any easier. It would of course be nice if we could at least play the final with an audience in the stands.” Has the corona pandemic left its mark on the individual clubs? Feichtinger: “Yes, unfortunately. The big reckoning still lies ahead for the clubs. The 2021/22 season will be difficult. This represents another challenge for everyone. In a difficult season, we managed to further increase the attractiveness of our product. This is noticeable, among other things, in the interest of new teams.” As has been leaked, these applicants are from HC Pustertal, Laibach, Feldkirch, Znojmo and EHV Linz. Can you confirm that? Feichtinger: “At the moment I can only say that there are several interested teams. Our league planning has also taken scenarios for several participating teams into account for years. The final decision will be made by the owners at a general meeting.” League managing director Christian Feichtinger did not want to comment on an increase in the league. However, it was learned from well-informed circles that the goal for the 2021/22 season is an even number of participants. The 12 existing clubs will decide at the general meeting whether 14 or 11 teams will compete in the ICEHL in the coming season. In the past, the registration deadline was set for January 15th. This year the deadline was postponed to the end of February due to corona. Only then will a decision be made about the possible admission of new clubs. This will happen at the general meeting, which will take place at the beginning of March at the earliest. As has been leaked, the 5 applicants HC Pustertal, Laibach, Feldkirch, Znojmo and EHV Linz have deposited the majority of the documents and the exams are already underway.

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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Christian Feichtinger: “We did a lot right”

The regular season in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) will come to an end next Sunday. Then 44 laps have been completed. At that point at the latest, a big weight will fall off Christian Feichtinger's heart.

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