2023-08-07 15:27:00
The Icelandic hockey players put on their skates on Monday morning. 10 a.m. sharp, the first instructions from the new coach Petri Matikainen sounded in the Tissot Arena. The Finnish tactician did not hesitate to tap into the resources of his players during this premiere. “We have seen the physical tests and we know where we are,” quips captain Gaëtan Haas. Indeed, the results showed some shortcomings, but the reason is obvious. Being in the final last season shortened the summer preparation. Instead of twelve weeks, the Seelanders only had eight to prepare physically. However, “there is no disaster, there is still time”, reassures the attacker. The important thing for Monday morning was above all to rediscover sensations, but also to get to know the newcomers better. “It was really a good session,” says new foreigner Aleksi Heponiemi who immediately felt well integrated.
Adaptations in sight
If the record of last season was very good, with a title of vice-champion of Switzerland at stake, it can still be better. HC Biel thus wanted to strengthen its workforce. Five new players landed at the Tissot Arena. They are defenders Yanik Burren and Ville Pokka, as well as forwards Liekit Reichle, Ian Derungs and Aleksi Heponiemi. However, it is in the staff that the biggest changes have been made. Antti Törmänen was replaced following deciding to retire for health reasons. Petri Matikainen, assisted by Juha Vuori, thus officially took office this morning. “Contact with the players was very good,” said the new coach. Antti is no longer there, we must not remain clinging to the past. It is the future that is important”. For captain Gaëtan Haas, “this new start can be positive for improving the small details that were missing to take the last step”. We will therefore have to put our heart into it to be ready on August 31st. HC Bienne will receive the visit of HC Kosice on the occasion of the Champions League. /lge
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