Train trainer with declaration of war after the semifinals

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The reasons for Zug’s failed title hat-trick were simply broken down: lack of consistency, low self-confidence, recurring mistakes, pale top performers. But at first glance, only research into sporting goals appears to be so simple. The reasons are more complex – because humanity and the mind are unpredictable.

The team hasn’t changed much this season. The only two new faces were foreigners Brian O’Neill (USA) and Peter Cehlarik (Slk, replaced by Carter Camper in February). Defender Tobias Geisser, who was on the title in 2021, returned after an AHL season. So everything seemed set for the renewed title defense. Because? Pretty much the same team dominated for two years, offering spectacle hockey, dancing through qualifiers and delighting across the board. Logical right?

The whole season was a war of attrition

But the amount of mental energy consumed by such years of success gradually became clear. To cope with the pressure during crises, which also increased with the aim of being internationally successful in the CHL, not enough of it remained. The regular season became a war of attrition. The fact that EVZ managed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the play-offs with a buck in the final phase was an example of strength.

Almost the last reserves were squeezed out. Primarily mentally, not physically. “The head determines what the body does,” EVZ coach Dan Tangnes once said against Geneva during the semi-final series. Ergo: when the head is tired, so is the body. The playful qualities and experience were enough against the Lakers. Zug could not develop against Servette. The total performance drop of the main players left EVZ vulnerable.

One of them is star striker Gregory Hofmann. He says immediately after the out in Geneva: “I didn’t find the key to make a difference at important moments.” He also points out that the last three games ended with only one goal each. Hofmann knows: in top form he could have made up for this difference.

The fact that he returned exactly to the high playoff rhythm after a serious foot injury should not be an excuse. “It just wasn’t an easy season for me.” We for none of Hofmann’s teammates. After the bankruptcy in Geneva, Carl Klingberg says exhausted and emotional: “It’s so hard to be able to win every season.”

Therefore, this semi-final in Zug should not be seen as a failure. The champions did not let themselves go in a challenging season and showed character time and time again. He never fell as low as other big clubs after their titles, but averted the immediate end of the season after qualifying. “We have to learn from it and grow from it,” emphasizes coach Tangnes. And immediately makes another promise: “We will hunt for the trophy again next season.” With a slightly different team.

After four departures (Klingberg, Djoos, Kreis, Zehnder), not only the team is getting fresh blood. As assistant coaches Josh Holden (as head coach of HCD) and Niklas Gällstedt (from Brynäs, Sd?) are leaving EVZ, the coaching squad is also changing. Michael Liniger (from GCK/ZSC Lions) and Lars Johansson (from Rögle, Sd) replace them. This provides trainer Tangnes with input for the game system, which is increasingly being deciphered by the opponents. The fact that the defending champion has caught up with sporting reality is therefore an opportunity.

Source : Blick