HCP practices self-criticism: “We still have a lot to learn”

In the following interview, Pustertal President Erich Falkensteiner looks back on the messed up season, gives the reasons for the failure and gives an outlook on the coming season.

Almost 3 months ago, HC Pustertal went on summer vacation. What is your conclusion after the disappointing second season in the ICEHL?

“We started the second season with great ambitions, but we didn’t live up to them. After everything worked out for us in the first year, a lot went wrong in the second year. In our debut season we played beyond our means and became overconfident. But we were quickly brought back down to earth. We have to be aware that we are a small club compared to the competition with a comparatively small budget. We still have a lot to learn. My conclusion cannot be satisfactory, regardless of whether in the end we were only one point short of taking part in the pre-play-off. At school there would be a failing grade for the work performed.”

On paper, last year's Puster team seemed to be better than the one in the premiere season of 2021/22. How do you explain the disappointing performance?

“Everyone involved made mistakes. But I'm always self-critical and don't assign blame. Just this much: the team was certainly very good on paper. But the different characters didn't fit together. But that doesn't mean that the players' characters weren't good. First and foremost, we were missing leaders. A good atmosphere in the team alone is not enough.”

What did the club do wrong?

“Quite a lot. First and foremost, we didn't stick to the qualities we set out to achieve. These would be down-to-earthness, hunger for success and humility. We took a lot of things lightly and after finishing 5th last year we thought things could only go up. All winter we only reacted, never acted. We constantly tried to plug the holes, but without having a real concept or strategy.”

“All winter we just reacted, never acted.” Erich Falkensteiner

What do you accuse the players of?

“We had exceptional players who only looked at their own points to increase their market value, to players who always put themselves at the service of the team, and I'm thinking of our homegrown players. They gave everything. I also had the feeling until the end that the players didn't realize that much more could have been achieved. Every now and then they got a little holiday feeling at the foot of Kronplatz. That will definitely change in the future.”

Are you satisfied with viewer interest?

"I am very satisfied with that. We had an average of 2138 spectators per home game. This is a top value considering that the success has left a lot to be desired. That's why our fans deserve a big thank you. But also our sponsors. After the bad season, I had great concerns about what would happen next. But I can proudly say that despite everything, the mood is very positive. That’s probably in the Pusterer DNA – according to the motto: Now more than ever.”

As was recently revealed, there will be a complete upheaval in Bruneck. How advanced is the squad planning?

“I can say that we are at a good point and the team is at 80 percent. We wanted to start planning the squad early and not wait until the last moment, as you can only get certain players now. We are facing the decisive season. After that we have to bring continuity to the team. I have 2 wishes for the coming winter: Firstly, I would like to confirm more than half of the players from this team for the 2023/24 season and have 6 national players at the next World Cup.”

Arvin Atwal should provide the necessary water displacement in the Puster defense team next season.

The first three newcomers are all over 3 years old. Will the HCP rely more on experienced players next winter?

“We attach great importance to the right mix. We need older, experienced players as well as younger, toxic players. We will also try to sign tall and physically strong players as we were too light last season.”

Starting next season, there will be a new tax reform that, among other things, provides for pension and accident insurance for players. How worried are you about this change?

“We have been working on this topic for some time and have run through several scenarios. Although it is not yet entirely clear what the reform will ultimately look like, we assume that we will have to spend around 30 percent more money per player than before. But I very much welcome pension insurance, as it gives parents and players a certain level of security for the future. But foreigners will also benefit from this new tax reform.”

Is there already a goal for the season?

“We want to do better than last time and have set ourselves the goal of reaching the quarter-finals.”

A few weeks ago there was a rumor circulating that there would be an outdoor game with HC Pustertal at the biathlon center in Antholz next season. Is that true?

"Yes. There were concrete ideas to organize such an event in Antholz in late autumn. However, due to the planned renovation of the biathlon arena, it is no longer possible. Postponed is not lifted.”

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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HCP practices self-criticism: “We still have a lot to learn”

HC Pustertal was one of the biggest disappointments in the past ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) season. The “Wolves” finished the regular season in 11th place and thus missed the pre-play-off. President Erich Falkensteiner talks about the past season and what the club can learn from it.

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