After a manageable last weekend in the west of Austria, with only three points from the two games against the latecomers HC Innsbruck and Pioneers Vorarlberg, the Graz99ers continue today at home against league newcomers Ferencvaros Budapest.
“Six points were probably also planned in some minds within the team,” said 99ers coach Harry Lange to the “Kleine Zeitung”. But he adds: “Something like that can happen. But not a second time,” warns Lange. The first chance for redemption comes today in front of a home crowd against league newcomers Ferencvaros Budapest. “It’s always exciting when you play against a new team for the first time,” says 99ers sports director Philipp Pinter. “They will definitely come into the game through the fight, they are real worker bees without a big superstar in the team.”
The sports director also warns against every opponent in the league, as he tells the “Kleine Zeitung”: “We are not in a position to underestimate any opponent. But at the same time, we don’t have to be afraid of any opponent. A healthy respect is necessary, and if we give 100 percent, we have a good chance of winning games with our quality.” “The right conclusions were drawn from the West weekend and the team can move much closer together through games like this.”
The use of goalkeeper Maxime Lagacé is questionable today, as he is unlikely to play yet after his illness. According to “Kleine Zeitung”, Nicolas Wieser will probably guard the 99ers’ goal again.
Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
