After the quarter-finals of the Moser Medical Graz99ers, it quickly became clear that there would be a change in the goalkeeper position. With Maxime Lagace, a talented goalkeeper was fetched, but who does not yet know much about Austria.
For some years now, there has been no peace in the goalkeeper position of the Graz99ers: Ben Bowns, Olivier Rodrigue, Felix Nussbacher, Christian Engstrand, Niklas Lundstrom, Anthony Peters, Nicolas Wieser, Lars Volden, Paul Mocher, Josef Esler, Jonas Gunnarsson-they have all stood between the 2020/21 season Post of the Styrian. Nicolas Wieser, who is back in the contingent this year, has been part of the Graz99ers since 2022 and showed a shotgun of 1.9 and a catch rate of 92.4% (in twelve games) last year.
Jonas Gunnarsson, who was equipped with a 2-year contract in the summer of 2024, remained somewhat behind the expectations. The Styrians and the 33-year-old Swede found a solution and go their separate ways.
The hopes rest on the newcomer
Many eyes are now aimed at Maxime Lagace, which was confirmed on July 23 as the new goalie of the Graz99ers. After two years in the Swedish SHL, in which he ran for Färjestads BK, a new task is now waiting for the Canadian. “I am very happy to be in Graz, even if I don’t know much about Austria,” said Lagace to the “Kronen Zeitung“. In the Champions Hockey League, he already dueled with the EC Red Bull Salzburg, but that’s it, with the previous Austria experiences. In his previous professional career, Lagace was also on the ice in 20 NHL games. Head coach Harry Lange alone with some of the most well-known NHL teams says a lot about him-he is a top goalke can make up the important difference. “
Strengths and title
“I would say that I have quick reflexes, be very aggressive and also like to play behind the goal,” said the left -wing catcher, who “certainly didn’t come to lose. It is obvious that we want to go to the Champions League. And in the end we want to put something over our heads.” Can you get the first “title” of the season with the upcoming Energie Styria Trophy? In any case, the newcomer of the Murstädter is looking forward to his debut in front of the fans: “There is a special atmosphere with the low ceiling. The fans were already really loud during the team presentation. I’m already looking forward to it.”
Image: Theahl, CC by 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
