“HC Pustertal made a profit”

2 hours before kick-off for the first leg of the Alperia Cup, the president of HC Pustertal, Erich Falkensteiner, invited people to a press conference, which was also attended by sports director Patrick Bona and coach Stefan Mair. This covered the following topics:

Herb: Erich Falkensteiner: “My personal goal is to participate in the play-offs: It would be nice if we could reach the quarter-finals directly – like last season. I am convinced that we even have the potential to win a series. That's why my dream goal is to reach the semi-finals. So that we can achieve these ambitious goals, we have worked hard on the structure and organization in the last few weeks.”

Budget: Falkensteiner: “We have increased the budget. The team eats up around a third of our budget. The players' apartments alone cost 200.000 euros. Unfortunately, all costs have increased. But I can proudly say that we recorded a strong black zero last season and made a profit. And that despite Corona. This was only possible thanks to our sponsors. 98 percent of them will continue to support us.”

“But I can say with pride that we recorded a strong black zero last season and made a profit. And that despite Corona.” President Erich Falkensteiner

Team: Patrick Bona: “On the whole, we got the players we wanted. The transfer market was quite complicated this summer, even if some clubs in the KHL dropped out and numerous players no longer want to play in Russia. In North America, however, there are more and more clubs every year. In addition, good money is paid there, which is why many players stay in Canada or the USA. We had a long list and discussed each player with our overseas scout before signing them.”

Stefan Mair: “Putting the team together is a process. There are key positions that should be filled as soon as possible. Some dream players have left us. But that's normal. The lions eat first, then we get our turn. I have certain ideas about my players: they should be young, dynamic and technically skilled, as I prefer a fast team.”

Young local players: Bona: “We are still dependent on Italos, but we would like to rely on local players in the long term. That's why we're working hard on the young talent academy. In preparation, we invited 10 young players so that they could get an insight into the pace and level in the ICEHL. In any case, we are rising to the challenge. It remains to be seen whether local players can hold their own. We work closely with the Wipptal Broncos. 6/7 players will have the chance to recommend themselves for the next few years.”

Game system: Mair: “I’m hoping for a game with a lot of running. But this only works if all players get their turn and are ready to run and fight. I won't squeeze any player, I'll give each one ice time. Against Innsbruck, for example, not a single crack on the 4th line was on the ice for less than 10 minutes. Team play is in the foreground. But I also have a plan B: If something doesn't work, then I have to be variable and adapt the game to what I have. It is important that we are stable at the back. I can confidently say that we have a lot of quality in goal and in the power play. For me, the success of the team is the most important thing.”

Number 1:

Mair: “There is no such thing as a goalkeeper for me. We have a good goalie coach in Thomas Tragust. We will discuss with him who will be between the posts. Tragust has the last word. With Tomas Sholl and Jacob Smith we have 2 very good goalkeepers, but 2 completely different in style. Sholl was exhausted and at the end of his strength at the end of last season. It’s important that everyone gets their breather.”

Favorites: Mair: “For me, Salzburg is stronger than all other teams. I also rate Klagenfurt and Vienna highly. HCB Südtirol has a very expensive team that will also be at the forefront.”

Viewers: Falkensteiner: “I hope that normality will finally return and there will be no more restrictions on spectators next winter. We sold almost 1000 season subscriptions. This means that the arena is already a third full for each game. But I do hope that we can welcome 3000 spectators more often. The arena should become a meeting place according to the motto: people looking for people. The HC Pustertal is a bit of home for many. The fans are very important to us. That's why we left the prices for standing room in the Rienz curve the same, for example.

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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“HC Pustertal made a profit”

HC Pustertal has increased its budget for the coming season in the ICE Hockey League. The Wolves announced this and much more on Thursday.

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