Lyle Seitz, Director of Hockey Operations of the Win2day Ice Hockey League, goes into his 15th league season. In the start of the season, the Canadian draws a consistently positive balance: the league has developed in a sporty, organizational manner and noticeably in the entertainment value.
He also gives insights into his wide range of tasks – from play, communication to security and disciplinary measures – and emphasizes the importance of feedback, exchange and European cooperation for the future of ice hockey.
Lyle, you go to your 15th league season. If you look back over the years – how do you see this time?
Seitz: “First of all, time has passed incredibly quickly, but realistically sounds 15 years after a very long time – and in some ways they are too. But in the development of sport and in the development of ice hockey I have the feeling that we have been very productive: the game is growing, our fan base grows, the entertainment value grows. Therefore I have to say – and there is a thank you to the players and trainers. I am very satisfied with the entire development.
For someone who can’t do much with the term ‘Director of Hockey Operations’: what are you responsible for and what does your typical working day look like?
Seitz: “Basically for everything that happens within the hall. Whether it is the game itself, the coaches, the players, the referees, the off-Ice team, the security-everything that takes place within these four walls falls into my area. If you look at an average day, it is of course primarily about preparation: Set up everything for the season, together with the trainers and players. Communication back and forth. Feld: It has to do with the game, with the players, referees and also their families – all of this ends up on my table at some point. ”
How have the requirements of your position have changed in recent years?
Seitz: “On the one hand, it has become easier because our game has achieved a high level. We are competitive with every country in Europe, very strong. On the other hand, the job never ends. We are constantly developing, we always want to improve. For example: do a good job? Yes, absolutely. But that doesn’t mean that we have to be back. We have to be better. To keep it right – but together we are responsible for offering a top product on the ice and showing the game in the right way.
How do you organize cooperation and communication with the coaches of all clubs?
Seitz: “These are countless phone calls per week and a lot of emails a day. But the bigger picture is about communication with everyone involved: coaches, players, referees. We are all in the same business, even if the teams play against each other. This cooperation works best with video, voiceover material, analyzes of situations that may have gone wrong last week-be it through a referee or other circumstances. Common task: This has happened, so we will do it better in the future. ”
You worked in the NHL for a long time. How do interaction and communication with coaches and players in North America differ from that in Europe?
Seitz: “This is a very good question. There are many differences. Four countries are playing in our Win2day Ice Hockey League. In addition, three main languages come. On the other hand, it is uniform: a language, two countries that are culturally similar. If you think of communication: Every referee speaks English – but is it your strong language, you also understand everything? Political framework conditions.
How important is feedback from players, coaches and referees for you in the further development of the league?
Seitz: “It is my daily bread – the most important thing. I manage situations, expectations before the season and react to events during the season. But in the end it is about one thing: This game belongs to the players. A good example is the medical field: On request and initiative, we now have club doctors, paramedics on site, injury reports and a network for the health and security of the players. The Huber case was not only a problem between players and referees.
With the situation Room, the league was a pioneer in European ice hockey. You are also active in the Champions Hockey League, where exciting new rules have been introduced in recent years. How does cooperation work at European level?
Seitz: “If you look at the Champions Hockey League or the various national leagues, we all work together behind the scenes – because, as I said, it is in the end the same industry. We are all in the same sport. Working from each other, but there is a small difference or special situations. Couldn’t work without close communication.
Ice.Hockey, Image: Screenshot YouTube.com
