“Devastated”: Zisser’s tough analysis

Almost two weeks ago, the Italian national ice hockey team flew to the World Championships in Division I Group A in Nottingham with a big chest. The immediate return to the World Group seemed to be a mere formality for the “Blue Team” given their opponents. But things turned out differently and the tournament ended with embarrassment and great disappointment for the “Azzurri”.

How big is the disappointment after missing out on promotion to the World Group?

Stefan Zisser: “The disappointment is huge because we traveled to Great Britain with great expectations. However, these were not fulfilled. We missed a great opportunity. I am devastated."

How do you rate the Italian team's performances in Nottingham?

“The team, which was the second youngest in the tournament, didn’t convince in a single game. Even though we narrowly lost the two playoffs against Poland and Great Britain, the performances weren't good enough. You can't sugarcoat the achievements. We imagined everything completely differently after the tournaments in Budapest in November and in Bolzano in February.”

“The team didn’t convince in a single game.” Stefan Zisser

What were the biggest problems?

“For one thing, there was no gaming system. On the other hand, the defensive behavior was poor. Of the 16 goals conceded, at least half were self-inflicted. It is inexplicable to me how such errors could creep in. The preparation for the World Cup wasn’t ideal either: after all, the entire team only trained together for 5 days.”

Looking back, would you do a few things differently when convening?

“In hindsight you are often wiser. But if I'm honest: we didn't have many other options when it came to putting together the team. Andreas Bernard, Daniel Frank, Giovanni Morini, Diego and Simon Kostner canceled for personal or health reasons. Dustin Gazley and Daniel Catenacci also decided not to take part. We were also bound to the requirement to take a maximum of 8 dual citizens (a goalkeeper and 7 field players) with us. The performances of the individual players in preparation ultimately led to this team.”

Alex Trivellato & Co. clearly missed promotion.

How do you explain the fact that some supposed key players, such as Alex Petan, were unable to meet expectations?

“Petan wasn’t the only one who didn’t do what he was capable of. I can't explain why some key players failed. Also because Petan was involved in 5 goals in the 3-3 win against South Korea in the last preparatory game and was convincing across the board. He came away empty-handed in the first two World Cup games and then played himself into a hole.”

Are you satisfied with the work of the coaching team?

“Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino have a different take on how to play a tournament like this. Everything worked smoothly in November and February. Unfortunately, the desired fruits have not yet materialized.”

Is Mike Keenan still the right man?

“I can’t and don’t want to comment on that yet. Just this much: We knew that Keenan was a different type of coach. Everyone needs to look in the mirror and figure out what they did wrong. Starting with me and ending with the players.”

“I’m seriously considering whether to continue or not.” Stefan Zisser

Will there be consequences?

“As I said: everyone has to question themselves. But consequences will have to be drawn. First we have to analyze everything carefully. Everyone has made mistakes. I as well. I'm seriously considering whether to continue or not. I have suffered many defeats in my career. But this one hurt the most because I invested a lot of time and energy for nothing.”

In addition to 6 trainers, there were 2 Finnish athletic trainers and a Canadian mental coach. Isn't that an exaggeration?

“We wanted to create the best possible conditions for the players and leave nothing to chance. After an athletic trainer, Matias Sarvela, canceled at short notice, we brought in his Finnish compatriot Jarmo Tapio Koivisto. A mental coach has always been missing. Maybe we could have saved ourselves this one. As for the coaches, I wanted our local coaches Fabio Armani and Giorgio De Bettin to be at the World Cup to gain experience.”

A lot of money was spent on the World Cup. Couldn't this have been invested better?

“I don't think we've thrown unnecessary money out the window. We tried to save wherever we could. Perhaps instead of 5 surplus players who had to fly home before the start of the World Cup, they could have taken 2 fewer to Nottingham. That would have saved a little money.”

Where do you and the association want to apply the levers?

"Now good advice is quite expensive. First and foremost, we need to intensify our cooperation with the clubs. I have great hopes for the summer camp in Niagara Falls in the second half of July and hope that the players take the time to take part in it. Our goal is to support the camp participants financially so that they do not have to work in the summer. Recently there was a rumor that this camp would be a kind of screening camp where potential dual nationals would be recruited with a view to the 2 Olympic Games. But that’s not what’s intended.”

Will Italy apply to host the World Cup in Division I Group A next year?

"I guess so. Bruneck or Bolzano would then be considered as venues. South Korea should also express interest in hosting.”

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“Devastated”: Zisser’s tough analysis

Italy's national ice hockey team missed out on promotion to the top division at the World Cup in Division I Group A. The person responsible for the Blue Team, Stefan Zisser, gives the reasons in an interview with s+ and doesn't mince his words.

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