Goalkeepers, coaches, ticket prices: This is what the HCB boss is planning

We spoke to HCB managing director and sports director Dieter Knoll and he revealed some juicy details about the ongoing squad planning. On the one hand, he reveals how many players could be exchanged, and on the other hand, he says that 50 goalkeepers and 50 coaches have already been offered to him. But that's not enough. Here is the full interview.

32 days have passed since the painful 1-2 defeat in the 7th final game against Red Bull Salzburg. How are you feeling today?

Dieter Knoll: The disappointment has now given way to pride. Immediately after missing out on the championship title, I was devastated. I was hoping for the title so much because we went from 1:3 to 3:3 in the series. But it didn't want to happen. When I now look back on our 10th season in the cross-border championship, I can proudly say that it was a very successful winter. This season will always be fondly remembered. Even if the cherry on the cake was missing in the end.

What was missing in the end for the third title?

I think it was little things. We led 7-1 for a long time in the 0th final game before Salzburg turned the tables in the last 10 minutes. Maybe we were too passive after taking the lead and retreated too far. In the end, individual mistakes led to the two goals conceded. But that shouldn't be a criticism of the players. We kept up well until the end. And that against Salzburg. It's always the highest feeling to play against this team. Salzburg has a much higher budget and is therefore better staffed than us in all positions. It's a different world.

“The hype was fantastic.” HCB managing director Dieter Knoll

126.456 spectators attended the HCB's 35 home games, an average of 3641 fans. Are you content?

I'm very satisfied. Compared to some of our competitors, we have made significant gains. I'm pleasantly surprised by these numbers as I thought it would be more difficult to attract fans to the stadium. After all, with King Football we have a new, strong competitor in Bolzano. Despite FC Südtirol and despite Covid, we managed to bring the spectators back. But that definitely also had something to do with the good performances and results of our team. The players – especially the foreigners – are enthusiastic about the atmosphere in the stadium. Our fans are among the best in the league and are our 7th man on the ice. In the play-offs, interest increased enormously again. The hype was fantastic. In the play-offs we had the highest average attendance in the league. An average of 11 fans came to the 5271 home games. This is remarkable and fills me with great pride.

New game, new luck: Will the HCB be at the top again next season?

We are motivated to put together a team that can compete for the title again. As every year, our goal is to reach the play-offs. Then we'll see what happens next. Success always depends on many factors. In any case, we strive to form a strong team. Ultimately, we also want to make a good impression in the Champions Hockey League.

How advanced is the squad planning?

We are at a good point. We are keen to confirm as many players as possible from this team, which has grown into a unit. We could do that too, as most of the players would like to return to Bolzano. We already have the team in mind for the coming season. As of now we know that we have to look for 2 new goalkeepers. Otherwise everything is open. It also depends on finances. After all, some cracks want more money after a good and successful season. While there have usually been 10 new faces in Bolzano in previous seasons, this time there could only be 5 new players.

Samuel Harvey, a foreigner, has said goodbye to Bolzano. Will more follow?

In principle, the remaining foreigners could return to Bolzano. With the exception of the Hults brothers. The biggest question mark is currently behind them. Cole and Mitch want to reorient themselves and are considering a return to North America or a move to Germany. As for the other foreigners, it depends on me. In principle, if the financial framework is right, I would confirm all guest workers from last season.

Sam Harvey has left the HCB for Finland. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

What is the situation on the transfer market: is it currently offering interesting players? There are currently an incredible number of very interesting players on the market. For example, we were offered well over 50 goalkeepers. But defenders and strikers are also a dime a dozen. This has to do with the fact that many cracks don't want to go to Russia. In addition, the Finnish and Swedish clubs do not take players who were most recently under contract with KHL clubs. Because the range of players is large, the prices remain moderate.

How are things looking on the domestic front?

There won't be many new local players at HCB in the coming season. The only thing that is certain is that we need 2 U24 players. These are players born in 2000 or younger. I would imagine that one of them will be Leonardo Felicetti and the other Pascal Brunner. Alternatively, there are also 2 other players. We always keep an eye on the young players. But I have to say that local players who can be integrated into the team are rare. It is a big challenge for the association and also the clubs to improve the situation.

Will coach Glen Hanlon stay in Bolzano?

That's a good question. Glen would like to stay. But the problem is his wife: she is a school principal in Canada and can't get away from there. But Glen doesn't want to spend another year without his wife, who was only in Bolzano for Christmas. That's why it could well be that we have to look for a new coach. More than 50 trainers have already contacted us. But I haven't identified the right one yet. But I haven't given up hope of seeing Glen again. The coaching question is the most difficult decision for me and is already giving me a headache. Also because I have often relied on the wrong coach in the past. If we have to hire a new coach, then we don't know how or whether he will want to and be able to work with the players confirmed from last season. Glen was very hardworking and always correct and fair with the players, who also liked him very much.

The HCB is taking part in the Champions Hockey League for the 5th time. What do you expect in the premier class?

For me it is always a great joy and honor when you can compete against strong opponents at international level. It is an important position determination. International comparison is always one of our seasonal goals and a big challenge. This year the CHL will be played in a new format. Instead of 32 teams, there are only 24 and we play against 6 different opponents, with 3 home and 3 away games.

The draw for the 4 groups will take place in Tampere on Wednesday. Which opponents do you want?

There are several very attractive opponents waiting. I would ideally like to play against Munich, Mannheim, Geneva or Rapperswil-Jona.

From next season there will be a new tax reform in Italy, which, among other things, provides for pension and accident insurance for players. How worried are you about this change? It is a big challenge for all of us. The reform is an advantage for the players. Accident and pension insurance has existed in Germany and Austria for several years. We will have around 30 percent additional costs. We have to collect these somehow. On the one hand, we will try to get more money from our existing sponsors, and on the other hand, we will look for new sponsors. We can also earn a small part from audience revenue. We have had the admission prices unchanged for 6 years now. I have in mind a 10 percent increase in ticket prices. Everyone has to fight to survive.

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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Goalkeepers, coaches, ticket prices: This is what the HCB boss is planning

As winner of the basic round, finalist and Champions Hockey League qualifier, HCB Südtirol Alperia can look back on an extremely successful season. Now it's time to archive them and put the cards on the table for next season.

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