HC Pustertal: Now the new president speaks

In the following exclusive interview, the new pack leader of the “Wolves”, Erich Falkensteiner, talks about the challenge that the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) and the modern arena will bring, about the team, the goals, the budget and an ice hockey academy.

What motivated you to take over the presidency of HC Pustertal?

Erich Falkensteiner: “Initially, I was involved in the search for a new president together with my predecessor Robert Pohlin. It wasn't easy to get anyone interested in this position. One day I entered the new stadium and briefly thought out loud that we absolutely had to do something for the club, the city and the entire valley. When “Helli” Thaler called the next day and told me that he would take over as Vice President if I was willing to become President, I agreed. After all, I am a South Tyrolean and a Pusterer at heart. I have found a very committed board of directors and will take on a strategic, non-operational role.”

How connected are you to ice hockey? How long have you been following the HC Pustertal games?

“I love this sport and have been a die-hard HCP member and ice hockey fan for 45 years. I have had to suffer a lot with my favorite club over the years and have seen and experienced a lot. For example, I was there in 1977 when EV Bruneck lost 4:25 in Bozen and coach Frank Carnevale was involved in a fight with his own fans in the 1993/94 season. However, I'm still not an ice hockey expert. Also because I never chased the puck myself. I was certainly an active football and tennis player. I hardly ever missed a home game at the Rienzstadion and even accompanied the team to away games. Armin Helfer, my brother Andreas' brother-in-law, also repeatedly played a role. Of course, a lot of family celebrations revolved around the “wolves”. Armin was a leading figure in Brunico for years and I value him very much.”

Why did you become president now?

“I have been asked several times in the past whether I would run for president. Actually, I'm crazy that I accepted this position now, as it is a very unfavorable and difficult moment due to the global Corona crisis. But for me it is a matter of the heart. In addition, the new arena and the new league made my decision easier.”

“The way we set sail now is how the ship will run in the years to come.” Speaking of the new arena and new league: How big is the challenge?

“I am aware of what we are getting into. We are facing a huge challenge. Countless homework awaits us in the coming weeks and months. The next four weeks in particular will be very time-consuming and complex: the way we set sail now is how the ship will sail in the coming years. I primarily provide the vision and strategy.”

<a data-caption="Trafen sich am Mittwoch vor dem neuen Stadion in Bruneck: ICEHL-Geschäftsführer Christian Feichtinger und HCP-Präsident Erich Falkensteiner (von links). © kp" data-fancybox="inline-76118" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2021/04/trafen-sich-am-mittwoch-vor-dem-neuen-stadion-in-bruneck-icehl-geschaeftsfuehrer-christian-feichtinger-und-hcp-praesident-erich-falkensteiner-von-links.jpg"> Met on Wednesday in front of the new stadium in Bruneck: ICEHL managing director Christian Feichtinger and HCP president Erich Falkensteiner (from left). © kp

What are the first steps you need or want to take now?

“The focus now is on the goals, visions and strategy. Of course, the structure and organization of the club are also important. Then it’s about implementation.”

The confirmation of the coaching staff and the sporting management caused a lack of understanding and criticism among some fans. Can you live with that?

"In any case. I really value our fans and respect their opinions. But I would like them to only evaluate us after the season.”

Are there any ideas about the new team yet?

“Our goal is to have as many local players as possible in the squad. In addition to some experienced and established players, we especially want to give young talents a chance. When looking for new players, we not only look at their sporting ability, but also at their human and character traits. With Dorotea Mader from Reischach, who was the human resources manager at Lidl Germany for years, we have brought a human resources specialist on board who will support us in selecting the players.”

How many players from last year's team will you see wearing the Puster jersey next winter?

“I hope as many as possible. Our sports director Patrick Bona spoke to all of the players from last season and told me about a positive and euphoric mood. The majority of them would accept the ICEHL challenge.”

How many guest workers will HC Pustertal start the new season with?

“I think we will have around 10 transfer card players in the squad. In addition to foreigners, we will also rely on dual nationals, and I am curious to see what the new Italo regulation will look like. Even if I don't know too much about ice hockey, I will work for a mega-strong goalkeeper and at least two experienced defenders."

“I have a dream: HC Pustertal should provide the most players from the Italian national team at the 2026 Olympic Games in their own country.” What goals are you pursuing with your club?

“We want to play as well as we can. 20 defeats in a row would not be helpful. We are aiming for a place between 6 and 10. After all, economic success depends primarily on sporting performance. In the longer term, I have a dream: HC Pustertal should provide the most players from the Italian national team at the 2026 Olympic Games in their own country.”

Who will be the HC Pustertal farm team?

“We are currently in contact with several AlpsHL clubs and will certainly seek to work with one club. Our goal is to “park” one or two players there and, conversely, to use one or two players in the ICEHL.”

Changing the topic from sporting to financial: How much is your club's budget?

“One thing first: HC Pustertal has to be a company that makes a profit. Therefore, income must be higher than expenses. The budget will amount to around 2 million euros. 60 percent of this is earmarked for personnel expenses – i.e. for coaches and players – and the rest for other expenses. We would like to cover the majority of the budget with sponsorship income.”

Keyword sponsors: Will HC Pustertal have a main sponsor next season?

“We are looking for a main sponsor. Their name can then also appear in the club name. We are also keen to land a namesake for the new arena.”

Do you think there will be spectators in the stadiums in the fall?

“This question is difficult to answer. We can only hope that fans will be allowed again. I would be happy if we could welcome 1500 spectators - i.e. 50 percent of the capacity - per game in September. To be on the safe side, we have initially planned our budget without audience income.”

“The fans in the 1200 standing room will probably pay 14 euros per game.” Due to the dilapidated and, above all, cold Rienz Stadium, HC Pustertal was somehow forced to keep admission prices low in the past. How much will ticket prices increase from next season?

“We will keep prices as low as possible. The fans in the 1200 standing room will probably pay 14 euros per game. The price for a seat, on the other hand, will be 25 to 28 euros. After all, we need a good mood and atmosphere in the arena. I agree with the former president of FC Bayern Munich, who once said: “The fans create the atmosphere in the stadium, but the money has to be made in the business club.” That's why we try to do it through VIP subscriptions and the like 5 VIP boxes to earn extra money.”

How do you rate the level in the ICEHL?

“The difference between the AlpsHL and the ICEHL is enormous. When I think about the finals between HCB Südtirol and Klagenfurter AC, I have to say that it was a very good level. In my opinion it is a very good league in Central Europe. The level in Germany or Switzerland is probably higher. The ICEHL may not be a Mercedes, but it is a very good VW.”

Young people are a big problem in South Tyrol. What do you think about an ice hockey academy?

“An academy would be very important for the HCP and a matter close to my heart personally. One of the ideas I have in mind is a sports school with a focus on ice hockey. And with that comes a kind of college. In my opinion, the care and support of young people between the ages of 14 and 18 is the key. We have to give this age group prospects and compete with them in international championships such as the ICE Young Stars League or the ICE Juniors League.”

On Wednesday you met with Christian Feichtinger, the managing director of ICEHL. What was that about?

“The focus was on our new arena. The managing director was very impressed and couldn't help but be amazed. Ivo Pezzei has done a really great job over the past few years and left nothing to chance when it came to planning. He made us a real jewel box.”

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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HC Pustertal: Now the new president speaks

New league, new stadium and new president: HC Pustertal - with Erich Falkensteiner at the helm - is facing a new beginning. Now the neo-president has commented on this.

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