The new season 2025/26 is picking up: On Monday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m., the Pioneers Vorarlberg team starts the first preparatory game in the Vorarlberghalle. The opponent is HC Thurgau from the Swiss League, the second highest Swiss division.
Structure, system loyalty and team spirit in focus
For Head Coach Johannes Nygard, the first endurance test of the new season is primarily about drawing a first interim conclusion of intensive training work:
“The main goal for us as a team of coaches can be seen how much of all tactical requirements the team has already internalized and where there is still a need for clarification,” explains Nygard. “What things are already automated – and which one do we have to tackle again as a group?”
In the first two preparation weeks, the focus was mainly on the game without a pane, especially on the defensive. Work was intensively worked on the Forecheck and the behavior in their own zone.
Team spirit as the key to the new season
In addition to tactical content, the coaching team places a particularly strong focus on the interpersonal component this year:
“We want to be one thing above all: a team that supports itself loudly – on the ice, on the bench and in the cabin. No loners, but a unit that goes through the fire for each other,” emphasizes Nygard.
The first impressions are promising. The newly formed team is growing closer together every day – a basic requirement for a successful season in Win2day Ice Hockey League.
A first finger – on Monday in the Vorarlberghalle
The new ice hockey season begins for the Pioneers with the home game against HC Thurgau. For fans, team of coaches and players, it is the first opportunity to take a look at the new formation – and the system that should ensure success in the coming months.
“We are convinced that we can achieve great things as a unit. The first step there is the game against Thurgau,” summarizes Nygard.
Pioneers Vorarlberg – HC Thurgau
Monday, August 18, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Vorarlberghalle Feldkirch
Tickets
Pioneers.Hockey, Image: Rothmund_pioneers.Hockey
