Dieter Knoll: “We spent 100.000 euros more”

The HCB Südtirol Alperia is at the top of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) table after 32 match days. The “White-Reds” have only conceded 67 goals so far and have the best defense in the league. They have also celebrated 22 victories, which is the most. Reason enough to look back on the season so far and ahead to the upcoming games with Dieter Knoll, sports director and managing director of the HCB. What do you wish for from Santa Claus? Dieter Knoll: "First and foremost, health. For me and my family, but also for my players, coaches and support staff." In any case, the team that is under the Christmas tree is the lead in the ICE Hockey League. And that for the second time after 2. What does that mean for you? "It does mean something to me, even though it's just a snapshot. It's proof that we've put together a good team and that the coaches are doing a good job. Leading the table isn't a must. Ultimately, our goal is to qualify for the play-offs. But that's not a sure thing, because things can change quickly in the very intense weeks ahead." Although your team is currently number 1, it has not always been convincing. Does that worry you? "Not really. Ultimately, that means that there is still room for improvement. I think that the players often went onto the ice arrogantly and underestimated the opponent. They should really know that you can lose against any team. After all, there are no easy opponents in this league. Our players' attitude and commitment have not always been 100 percent. That has to change. But I am confident because, in addition to the local players, we have North Americans in our squad. And they step up when it counts. Players who are now performing at 80 percent will increase their performance to 100 percent in the playoffs. The quality is there, in any case. We have 2 strong goalkeepers, a solid defense and 4 good forward lines. The team is strong within a certain budget and is also competitive." What do you think this Bolzano team can achieve in the rest of the season? "I think and hope that a lot is possible. If the team can improve a few details and the things mentioned above, then the semifinals could be within reach. After that, anything is possible anyway. If all the players stay healthy, then the team can be up there with the best. I am convinced that we are well positioned. The only thing we are perhaps missing is a physically robust defender who can clean up in front of his own goal and also provide impetus. What also needs to improve are the special teams: in power play and shorthanded play, we are only in the bottom half of the league." Is the 3rd championship title possible after 2014 and 2018? "It would be nice. I've been here long enough to know that everything has to be right for that. Our coach would also like to become champion, as he is yet to win a major title in his long career. Dreaming is allowed. But first we want to avoid the pre-playoff. In addition to a top 6 place, we are aiming to be in the top 4 in order to have home advantage in the first playoff game. But the season is still long: we only have to concentrate on tomorrow, never on the day after tomorrow." Who are the biggest opponents? "In my opinion, Asiago, Innsbruck and Vorarlberg are a little behind. The remaining 9 teams, on the other hand, are strong. The league thrives on balance, which makes it interesting and attractive. As every year, the top favorite for me is Salzburg. Behind them, a number of teams are waiting for their chance. Starting with EHC Linz, which has a good Austrian coach, through to the Graz99ers, who have spent a lot of money and are dangerous. But the two Carinthian teams, Klagenfurt and Villach, are also very capable. The same goes for Fehervar. But Ljubljana, Vienna and HC Pustertal should not be underestimated." Last summer, you dug deep into your wallet and lured several top-class players to Bolzano. Has this feat paid off so far? "It is true that we have increased our budget. But we have not overdone it, we have "only" spent 100.000 euros more on player purchases. It is also true that an Adam Helewka or Matt Bradley cost more than other players. But they also bring more and can make the difference. We also have a longer bench this season than usual. We have tried to increase the quality and create the conditions for the 3rd championship title. Nevertheless, Salzburg has a lot more money and probably also the better players. We score points with them with our beautiful country and the good quality of life. But if a club offers 50.000 euros more, then it is obvious that the players will prefer them." Which player has surprised you the most so far and who has disappointed you the most? Nobody really surprised or disappointed me. One player really impressed me the most. That is Daniel Mantenuto, who many can learn a thing or two from. He is not new to us, but he has once again shown that he is exemplary in terms of commitment and fighting spirit. He and his two line partners Luca Frigo and Daniel Frank may not have the talent that is in the parade block with Adam Helewka, Braden Christoffer and Anthony Salinitri, but they make up for their playing deficits thanks to their right attitude and their great fighting spirit. Will you return to the transfer market again? We are monitoring the transfer market around the clock. But there is currently nothing useful on it. The few players that are available do not make us any better. As I said, we would need a physically strong top defender. The agents and informants with whom we work closely know what is going on. If they find something suitable, we will strike. But we still have time. After all, the transfer deadline is not until February 17, 2025. I am confident that interesting players will come onto the market at the end of January and I could well imagine ending the season with 11 foreign players. On December 8th, the HCB celebrated its 4th victory since joining the league in the summer of 3 with a 400:2013 win against Ljubljana. How proud are you of what you have achieved so far? I don't particularly like the word "proud". But I can say that it was the right step to move to the EBEL. Before, we played in front of 300 spectators, but now we can welcome around 3000 fans to our home games. Of course, we were very lucky that we brought the championship title to Bozen in our first year. But even after that, we always had a team that was among the top teams and in the past 1 years we only failed to make the playoffs once. But we also grew in terms of organization and increased the quality of the club and the team. The audience has always stuck with us over all these years. But it is also a spoiled audience that always wants to be among the top teams. That's why we are somehow forced to send a strong team into the race year after year. My star sign is Taurus and I always want to achieve a goal, never give up and like to win. But to be successful, everything has to be right. Interview: Kurt Platter

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. EC Klagenfurt	48	183:121	97
2. EC Salzburg	48	173:130	95
3. HCB South Tyrol	48	155:113	93
4. Linz	48	155:121	88
5. EC Villach	48	173:143	86
6. Graz99ers	48	149:121	86
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Dieter Knoll: “We spent 100.000 euros more”

About the league lead, partly unconvincing performances, high expenses, the possible 3rd championship title and much more: Dieter Knoll, sports director and managing director of the HCB, looks back and forward in an interview.

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