After the Champions Hockey League double, the EC-KAC’s view is now at the start of the season of the Win2day Ice Hockey League. General Manager Oliver Pilloni has so far “seen a lot of positive things”, but the financial situation of the record champions still gives up some tasks.
A 2: 4 defeat against Brynäs followed a 6: 3 success at the Odense Bulldogs – the KAC therefore travels home with three points. The previous competing in the Champions Hockey League were quite gratifying, especially the 3: 2 home success over the Eisbären Berlin gave a lot of confidence. “We played well against strong opponents, saw a lot of positive things. Berlin or Odense have to be beaten first,” Pilloni told the “Kronen Zeitung“.
There were only two new additions to the red jackets this year: defender Jordan Murray and striker Mario Kempe. Here you are sure to have made strong transfers, even if it is probably a little too early for a final judgment: “Mario Kempe has only recently been there, but has a lot of experience and, like all Swedes, is a great ice skaters who plays a good pass. Jordan Murray acts calmly and has a really sharp pass, that is totally good for me.”
Of course, there are still one or the other construction site with the lawsuits, the general manager still sees room for improvement, especially in a number. Salzburg is again the favorite for Pilloni, but behind it “could be exciting”. However, the experienced GM points out that even in the previous year one or the other strong squad could not completely convince.
You are on the right track, with the compilation of the squad you are satisfied in the Carinthian capital. But it would be a lot easier if it would be more money to the record champion: “We are looking for donors, would like to have a main sponsor – it has to suit us, but we are not that picky.”
But now it goes full throttle towards the start of the season: The EC-KAC will receive Hydro Fehervar AV19 next Friday, on Sunday the red jackets are guest at the reigning champion Salzburg.
Image: Pulse 24/Moni Fellner
