HC Gröden’s entry into the final of the Alps Hockey League should actually have been all about sporting success. With a surprising 4-2 series win against the reigning champions from Zell am See, the South Tyroleans achieved one of the biggest sensations of the season. But instead of just celebrating, head coach Marcel Skokan made headlines with an unusual aftermath, as the “Kronen Zeitung” reports.
Provocation from the Internet as a trigger
The verbal exchange was triggered by comments from a Zell fan on social media. These apparently annoyed the Val Gardena coach so much that he reacted publicly to them after reaching the final. Skokan gave vent to his frustration and called the user, among other things, a “crazy old man” and “disrespectful”.
“It was more like fun”
However, the Slovakian later qualified his statements. According to his own statement, he felt provoked, but the reaction was not meant too seriously. “I agreed with my team that we would write to him if we made it to the final. It was more of a joke,” Skokan explained to the “Krone”. At the same time, he emphasized that he did not want to offend anyone personally.
Apologies follow promptly
Despite the heated words, the coach was insightful. If the affected fan actually felt attacked, he is sorry. With that, Skokan at least partially rowed back and tried to smooth things over.
Sporting triumph remains the focus
Regardless of the social media debate, the sporting success remains. Val Gardena deserves to be in the final and has already proven that you can hold your own against favored teams. Skokan at least made it clear whether the additional motivation from critical fans played a role.
Pic: HCG / Matthäus Kostner
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