League expansion, new teams & points rule: ICE boss takes a stand

The second league season ended on Monday amid disruption from COVID-19. How difficult was it to finish this season on time?

Jochen Pildner-Steinburg: “It was even more difficult than the previous season. Initially we had hoped that this season could be completed with fewer hurdles, but in the end it was incredibly challenging for everyone involved.”

After the Bratislava Capitals' exit, the league decided to run the table based on points average. Has the point average proven effective?

“We had to find a solution after the exit and used a model that was already established in the ice hockey world. At first there was a lot of misunderstanding, especially among the fans, and it was sometimes confusing to read the table. But over the entire season it was the most sensible and best solution. For example, the playoff decisions were made on the last day of the match, and we were once again able to pull off a very exciting championship.”

The new teams HC Pustertal and HK Olimpija as well as the returnees HC Znojmo made it into the playoffs straight away. Did the increase make the league even stronger?

“The league was again very balanced and it showed that the right decisions were made by including the three teams. With Znojmo, a well-known strong team has returned to the league. The good performances from Ljubljana and Pustertal could not have been expected in this form, both clubs are an absolute asset to the league.”

The final series between Red Bull Salzburg and Fehérvár AV19 was largely close - but Salzburg ultimately lived up to its role as favorite in an impressive manner. How do you classify the new champions' season?

“Salzburg were very confident. They had a deep and broad squad and improved their quality in the crucial phase. They brought the trophy back to Salzburg after years, and they have to be congratulated on that. Of course, every league hopes for an exciting competition. It remains to be seen whether some teams can get closer to Salzburg again.” Joachim Pildner-Steinburg is the league president of the ICE Hockey League.

The field of participants for the 2022/23 season is now becoming more specific. How do you see the ice hockey project that emerged in Vorarlberg?

“This joining of forces didn’t come as a complete surprise to me. After Feldkirch failed to get accepted into our league last year, this possibility was already discussed behind the scenes. Even if there are still operational questions, it is a very positive and sensible decision. There is great enthusiasm for ice hockey in Vorarlberg, it is a very important location for the league.”

The majority of clubs have also voted for the Bratislava Capitals to return. What conditions must be met for this?

“The fundamental decision has been made within the league to bring Bratislava back. This is associated with conditions that affect economic security. Not everything has been negotiated yet, but I am confident that we will bring the talks to a positive conclusion.”

Interest in participating in the league remains high. Is another increase to, for example, 16 teams an option for the future?

“I’m pleased that we have inquiries. This shows the attractiveness and high sporting level of our league. However, we have agreed that 14 teams is currently the maximum. We will take a close look at the framework conditions for a possible further increase for the 2023/24 season or later. That would also require changes to the mode.”

The end of the points system in squad composition has definitely been decided. For the coming season, twelve of the 22 players listed on the match sheet must be eligible to play for the respective national team. How do you view this topic, which has often been controversial in the past?

“We have made a clear agreement here. The big goal is to promote local players. The new regulation is intended to ensure that clubs do even more intensive youth work. I'm not unhappy about the abolition of the points system. It has always been criticized that there are too many imports in the league. I think a lot is already happening and young players are now being pushed even more. This is the right way."

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
View all

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

League expansion, new teams & points rule: ICE boss takes a stand

The ICE Hockey League is going into summer break. League president Jochen Pildner-Steinburg took stock and gave an outlook for the coming 2022/23 season.

Suggestions

Comments (0)