Great uncertainty for ice hockey in Bruck an der Mur: The traditional clubs Black Eagles and Ice Pirates fight for survival after the surprising closure of the urban ice stadium.
As part of an urban savings package, the ice stadium on the Murinsel remains closed in the coming winter and with drastic consequences: around 100 members of the Black Eagles, including many children and young people, lose their home. Chairman Deputy Siegfried Hiden brings the situation to the Small newspaper To the point: “If you don’t have your own place, you are not able to survive as a club.
Limited ice ages in Leoben and Frohnleiten could be organized, but the club is far from a regular training company. “We are traveling with a minimum program,” says club chairman Heinz Schemmel. The situation remains precarious, especially in the youth area. The age group of 10 to 13 year olds “more or less dissolved”, numerous deregistration followed. The naming of the fighting team for the Styrian area league was also withdrawn. ”
The Ice Pirates, the second Brucker team, face a similar fate. Chairman Mario Mühlbacher reports in the
Small newspaper From cancellations of all surrounding halls: “We will not be able to play without ice ages this year.” With 24 players there is a functioning squad, but without home there is a risk of. Mühlbacher criticizes the city sharply: “I have been talking about it for years, but I would not have thought that the case ever occurs.”
From the perspective of many club managers, the decision to close was communicated too late and regardless of those affected. If the decision had already been announced in February, there would have been more time for alternative solutions.
It is unclear whether there is a future for ice hockey in Bruck. “Of course, our vision is that we continue,” says Schemmel. But he sees black, especially in the youth area: Without going ice skating, the most important interface is missing to inspire children for sport. Many will start directly in Leoben or Frohnleiten in the future.
