An unusual scenario presented itself last weekend at the Graz 99ers: In addition to head coach Harry Lange and assistant coach Nate DiCasmirro, sports director Philipp Pinter was suddenly on the board.
Pinter usually follows the game from a higher position in order to keep an overview. But against FTC Budapest and the Vienna Capitals he took a seat directly in the coaching bench – a measure that is causing a lot of discussion among the Styrians.
No panic reaction to the sporting situation
After several defeats in a row – including against Innsbruck and Budapest – it was reasonable to assume that the step was related to the sporting situation. But coach Harry Lange waves it off via “Laoal1.at”: “We’ve been talking about bringing in a third man for a long time. Now the time had simply come.” They didn’t want to push for an external solution at the moment, so the choice fell on the experienced sports director.
“Six eyes see more than four”
Pinter, who is also team manager of the Austrian U20 national team, will initially support the coaching team until further notice. “Six eyes simply see more,” explained Lange with a smile. The head coach also emphasized that nothing significant had changed in the distribution of tasks: “I know what the optics are. But we get along really well. The tasks have remained more or less the same.”
It takes a long time with humor
Even though the sports director is now closer to the action, the mood in the dressing room remains relaxed. “The sports director commented a lot – I have to talk to him a bit,” joked Lange after the 3-1 win at the Vienna Capitals, which brought some relaxation to the 99ers camp. It remains to be seen whether Pinter will be back on the boards in the coming games – but one thing is certain: in Graz we are currently helping on all fronts.
Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
