With the second pre-season appearance in the Vorarlberghalle, another comparison with a Swiss team is waiting for the Pioneers. Against the GCK Lions, Head Coach Johannes Nygård primarily wants to see progress in the defensive structure:
“In training, we have worked specifically on adjustments in the game against the Puck. Now we want to see how consistently the team is implementing these specifications.” There will also be an exciting innovation with an additional striker. The line constellations have already been analyzed, but Nygård emphasizes: “The players need time to get used to each other. Small coordination problems in this phase are completely normal.”
Sunday, August 24, 5:30 p.m.: Test against league competitor HC Innsbruck
For the first time in preparation, the Pioneers are against an ICE hockey League rival. Three duels with the Innsbruckers are waiting in the coming weeks-including the championship home start on September 14th in the Vorarlberghalle, which is particularly the focus.
Captain Kevin Macierzynski therefore expects a rather behavioral first meeting, but at the same time emphasizes: “We want to show intensity and develop further. Even if the great importance is on September 14th.”
Macierzynski on his role as captain
For the native of Feldkirch, the new office is a matter close to the heart: “It is an honor to lead Pioneers as captain. I see it as my duty to push the team and get it out together.”
Most intensive preparation in club history
The team is currently going through the hardest pre-season since the club was founded. In addition to the intensive ice units, hard work is also made in the weight room. Head Coach Nygård explains the goal: “We want to form a team that can go a high speed for over 60 minutes. Our physique should give us a decisive advantage.”
Pioneers Vorarlberg – Gck Lions
Friday, August 22, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Vorarlberghalle Feldkirch
Tickets
HC Tiwag Innsbruck – Pioneers Vorarlberg
Sunday, August 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m., Tiwag Arena, Innsbruck
www.pioneers.hockey, Image: Pioneers Vorarlberg Christian Rothmund
