yesterday 07:30
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It has been known for several days that the Bratislava Capitals hockey club will not enter the new year of the international competition ICE HL. We spoke with the club’s sporting director Peter Draisaitl about the situation.
This is very sad news for hockey fans. Has such a scenario been brewing for a long time, or did it come out of the blue and overnight?
“It certainly didn’t happen overnight. There were definitely some signs already, but we all hoped until the last moment that the situation could be saved and everything would be fine. But it probably wasn’t possible.’
Can you specify in more detail what was the immediate cause of this crash?
“You should ask the owner of the club Mr. Ďurkovič. It was not my decision.’
Did you already have indications that the whole situation around the club could end up in the competition?
“Until the last moment, I didn’t want to believe that it could go this far. It was a shock for me too.”
How did you see it all? How long have you set a deadline for a final decision on how to proceed? Was there a chance that everything around could be fixed so that there would be no irreversible end?
“We hoped that some solution would be found to preserve and save a very interesting hockey brand. We still had at least a tiny hope that the competent people would find some solution to keep the club and develop it further.”
“I regret the whole thing, especially because of the players I approached and attracted to Bratislava.”
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Peter Draisaitl
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What was your first reaction when you heard the news of the end?
“Somehow, in the back of one’s mind, a person prepares various scenarios of what could happen, how it could turn out, and thus prepares for various variants. From my point of view, it’s a huge shame.”
As for your position, did you already have the squad for the new year assembled for the most part, or were you waiting to see how the situation would turn out?
“Except for two positions, the team’s squad was composed and ready for the new year. I regret the whole thing, especially because of the players I approached and attracted to Bratislava. Everyone was looking forward to this project. I am also sorry for the whole situation because of the coaches we had ready, and also for the entire implementation team of the Capitals. It was truly one of the best execution teams I have come across. And I stand by those words.”
The reactions of the hockey players themselves were probably not twice as positive. By this time, the clubs usually have 95 percent of their staff and places are open only for some famous cherry blossoms. Looking for a new employer in this situation is not easy. Can the club itself help them in this regard?
“Obviously, the timing of this move is very bad from the players’ point of view. The clubs are more or less starting to prepare on the ice and their rosters are almost full. Players are allowed to look for new jobs, but it’s too late. However, I believe that sooner or later all our hockey players will find a good spot.”
However, a new situation has arisen for you as well. You need to look for a new job.
“I will have to reorganize and think about my future, how to proceed. But first I have to meet the owner Ivo Ďurkovič and hear his opinion and reaction to the whole situation. We haven’t talked yet. Only then can I start developing concrete steps.”
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