A week before the start of the season of the Black Wings Linz, head coach and sports director Philipp Lukas speaks in an interview with the “Upper Austrian News” about the preparation, squad decisions and his personal way back to ice hockey.
The focus in the focus
For Lukas, the off-season was primarily shaped by organizational work. The aim was to advance structural changes in the youth area. “It needed a lot of work to do it in terms of sport as we imagine it,” said the Linz veteran over the “Upper Austrian News”.
Preparation satisfactory
Lukas is careful with the preparation: “The foundation of our game is intensity and willingness to work.” The first storm series with Emilio Romig was particularly convincing in the test games – 12 of the 14 goals have so far been on their account. Nevertheless, Lukas emphasizes that one strives for more balance between the lines.
This year Linz goes into the season with ten instead of eight import players. The reason for this is the loss of Steel Wings as a development platform and the loss of Austrian players such as Nico Feldner. “Of course I would like to pull up more Austrians from their own organization. But we’re not that far yet.”
Almost swept your back on ice hockey
Five years ago, Lukas was about to become self-employed in healthcare with his own therapy practice. Only the offer to become Assistant Coach at the Steel Wings brought him back. “I’ve been outside with one leg, but I didn’t just want to reject what I did all my life.” Today he is grateful for this step.
Clear season goal
The big goal is to play the title in the end. More specifically, formulated: the renewed qualification for the top 6. However, it is important to get ahead step by step and keep an eye on the process.
Image: BwL/Eisenbauer
