In summer, the course was set at the Austrian ice hockey association and the future managing director presented with Alexander Helwig. Since Monday, September 29, 2025, the Carinthian has been in office and dignity and already in the IIHF Global Hockey Forum and the subsequent congress. In the “Incoming Interview” Alexander Helwig talks about opportunities, challenges, open dialogue and emotions.
Alexander Helwig, they take over the Austrian ice hockey association in terms of sport at an absolute high. What opportunities do this result?
Alexander Helwig: “Yes, the association has an absolute high -flying flight. This also ensures tailwind and opens doors to potential partners and sponsors. It increases the attention for our sport in general and for the national teams in particular. It is a very good time to take responsibility and take the momentum in order to be able to convert the sporting success in economic success. are therefore.
What does your field of activity look like in detail?
Alexander Helwig: “The Presidium and I are still in coordination. Basically, it is about the overall coordination of the association, except for the sporting area, which is the responsibility of sports director Roger Bader, or for women at Martin Kogler. My activity will include topics such as funding, funding projects, national teams, marketing, marketing and sponsorship, livestreams and much more. In the first step, my focus is on close cooperation, good coordination and communication with the sporting management, the regional associations, leagues, clubs, as well as our partners and sponsors to create synergies and our strategic goals that we will settle and define. “
How much have you been able to exchange ideas with various stakeholders and how important is an open dialogue to you?
Alexander Helwig: “With the Presidium as well as with Roger Bader and Martin Kogler, I have been in an intensive exchange since the summer. In addition, there are already certain partners, stakeholders and the Win2day Ice Hockey League. This enabled me to get a first picture of the overall situation. Now I am looking forward to getting to know the employees in the office. Is on.
What goals have you set for the coming months?
Alexander Helwig: “An exact target definition or a mission and a mission statement will be announced at a later point in time if I am actively involved in my role as an ÖEHV managing director. In the short term, I have to get a lot of information about the overall system of ice hockey-what is going well? Where are the potential for improvement? Formulating years and coordinating with the Presidium.
How will you tackle the topic of marketing?
Alexander Helwig: “I do not see marketing as an isolated area, but as a cross -section of the entire association. Our goal must be to position the association as an attractive partner. This includes creating a brand, a clear statement and a vision to explain who we are and what we want to achieve. to get on board to portray the association differently than it was so far. ”
In the area of the national teams, sports director Roger Bader and General Manager Women Martin Kogler are at the side of two specialists. Have there been any first discussions about further development and common objectives?
Alexander Helwig: “Yes, there is already a very close exchange here and I look forward to the collaboration. Here, too, it is important to define what is needed to improve the framework conditions in all areas. We want to do everything to sell our home games and make it profitable. We want to spark an enthusiasm and I am convinced that we will succeed because we are in a very good way. The marketing plays an important role in this context. To create synergies and make our home games an event with innovative ideas. ”
What emotions do you start with your first working day and what will your first job be?
Alexander Helwig: “Working with joy, motivation and a positive tension. In sports management, especially in ice hockey, I have always been a matter close to my heart. In the office, my first job will be to get to know all employees. I have already put on a bit. It will not only be a shaking hands. We will also have intensive conversations and analyze the current processes in the office.”
www.eishockey.at, photo by Bernd Stefan
