After 17 games in the current ICE Hockey League season, the Pioneers Vorarlberg are at the bottom of the table with twelve points. Looking at the numbers seems sobering – four wins, 63 goals conceded, 30 goals scored – but sports director Michael Lampert (53) sees much more in the interim balance than just the bare results.
“Of course we would like five or six points more,” Lampert openly admits in an interview with the “Vorarlberger Nachrichten”. “But you shouldn’t forget: We have a very young squad with many new roles. The coaching team around Johannes Nygard is doing an excellent job. We are developing – and that is crucial.”
New coach, new chapter
After head coach Dylan Stanley left for Davos, a new chapter began in Feldkirch. 13 departures – including captain Alexander Pallestrang – had to be compensated. With an average age of 25.28 years, the club has the youngest squad in its history.
“The reconstruction was necessary,” explains Lampert. “We want to develop players and lay a foundation for the future. The fact that we were able to beat Salzburg and the KAC shows that the potential is there. The league is incredibly strong – we know that we are outsiders, but we accept this role.”
Defense is the biggest construction site
With 63 goals conceded, the Pioneers are currently one of the most defensively vulnerable teams in the league. Lampert also sees room for improvement offensively: “If you’re the team with the lowest budget in the league, that’s normal. But we have a lot of young people from Vorarlberg who are getting their chance.”
One example is Laurin Wempe, who came from EC Bregenzerwald: “He plays excellently. Stories like this confirm our path.” The cooperation with the Bregenzerwald works perfectly, says Lampert: “Young players get a lot of ice time there – that’s worth its weight in gold for their development.”
New style under Coach Nygard
The Pioneers’ game has visibly changed under Norwegian head coach Johannes Nygard:
“It’s faster, more offensive, riskier,” describes Lampert. “We want to play forward – that means conceding one more goal, but that’s part of it. Many of our Legionnaires are in Europe for the first time – they need time to get used to it.”
Financially difficult times – but clear goals
The economic situation remains tense, but Lampert does not lose focus: “We know that the situation is not easy. But there is no point in talking about what we don’t have. We have to make the best of our opportunities.”
He also sees potential in the number of spectators: “Of course we would like more fans. But those who come support us with full passion – even after defeats. They see that the team gives everything.”
The goal remains: top ten
The gap to the pre-playoff places is currently six points – no reason for Lampert to change direction: “It was clear from the start: We want to be in the top ten. That remains our goal. Six points is nothing – we will give everything until the last chance.”
Image: Dorner_pioneers.hockey
