HCB captain Bernard: “We were all a bit under the weather”

Anton Bernard enjoyed the three days off after the basic round with his family. “I spent a lot of time with the children and played with them. We went for a walk, my family had some time to themselves. Of course we had to adapt to the children's sleeping habits. But without training, traveling and games, I was able to clear my head. After several strenuous weeks, we were all a bit under the weather, especially mentally,” says the center. Pick round will be tough He has never been able to reach first place in the regular season with Bozen before. “This fills us with pride and is a reward for our hard work. But now we are already thinking about the intermediate round. Anything can happen there. Last year we went into this second phase in fifth place and ended up in first place. We definitely want to defend our top position, the four bonus points are a small advantage,” says Bernard, making it clear that the HCB is by no means satisfied with simply reaching the playoffs .

“We definitely want to secure home advantage in the playoffs. That can be crucial in the end. We have eight intense games waiting for us before the quarter-finals. The bonus points are a nice cushion, but not a guarantee. One thing is certain: we will remain focused. Because our coach, Greg Ireland, will make sure that there is no arrogance,” says Bernard.

HCB coach Greg Ireland is highly regarded by the players. © DLife

Bernard says the following about the Canadian coach of the HCB: “He taught us his playing system with determination and a lot of training. Everyone on the ice knows what to do and knows the routes of their line partners. Everyone works hard, we train intensively. Ireland is a perfectionist, but always seeks dialogue and rewards hard work. I think we are ready for the most important and stressful weeks of the season.” Squad depth is important A broad squad with two good goalkeepers, eight defenders and 14 forwards is a huge advantage in the playoffs. "Most certainly. We will also have players who are injured and there could be suspensions. Everyone is needed. “It’s fortunate that we’re now used to the rhythm of three games a week,” Bernard continues.

There are certainly some opponents in the fight for the championship title. Who does Bernard consider to be his toughest rival? “I’m thinking about the KAC. Klagenfurt has a similar playing system to us and has a strong defense. But if you want to become champion, you have to beat every opponent. That's our goal, we don't have to hide. “Probably only we can thwart our plans,” says Bernard, hungry for victory. A year ago, after a 3-0 lead against Znojmo in the quarterfinals (best-of-7), the season ended abruptly due to Corona.

Corona hit the HCB hard in October, but after that the white and red engine rolled at full speed. The players now want to make up for what they missed last year - despite Corona and even though the fans can only express their support on social networks and on screen. “We know the fans are watching us and keeping their fingers crossed. That's a good feeling. But we would much rather have the spectators in the ice wave. It doesn't matter in the game itself, we're so focused and have tunnel vision for the task - but with loud support everything would be much easier and nicer," says the captain. Regeneration is crucial At almost 32 (the celebration is on April 18th), Bernard is experienced enough to know what lifestyle you should maintain during the play-off period: “Regeneration is everything. I also include nutrition. Coach Ireland will organize the rest breaks and training sessions so that we always go into a game well prepared and with the necessary freshness.”

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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HCB captain Bernard: “We were all a bit under the weather”

HCB Südtirol Alperia finished the basic round in first place. Anton Bernard, who spoke to s+ before the pick round began, knows that you can't buy anything from it.

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