Winkler quits

Sharks coach O’Keefe: “I’m not coming back”

Disappointment after the elimination: Flo Pedevilla (l.), Mitch O'Keefe.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The day after the inglorious elimination of Innsbruck's ice hockey cracks in the pre-playoff against the Vorarlberg Pioneers, coach Mitch O'Keefe announced his departure after six years. The signs point to DEL. Dario Winkler announced his retirement at the age of 26.

It had been rumored since last week that Mitch O'Keefe would be leaving the Sharks. He has been linked with DEL club Nürnberg Ice Tigers. On Wednesday, the Canadian made his departure official without naming his new employer.

Overwhelmed by emotion
"I'm not coming back," explained the 39-year-old in his office in the dressing room. He was overcome with emotion, fighting back tears. "It was a very, very difficult decision, very emotional. I couldn't have had a better club to join as head coach. I can't thank Günther (boss Hanschitz) enough for that, including the way my family was treated."

It was a very, very difficult decision, very emotional. I couldn't have had a better club to join as head coach.

Mitch O‘Keefe

Four years as head coach
O'Keefe spent six years with the Sharks, the last four as head coach alongside his assistant Florian Pedevilla. "Working with Nino was outstanding. He became a friend for life." Together they celebrated 103 league wins in 202 games.

"He earns good money there, you can't be angry with him. We celebrated great successes together and wish Mitch and his family all the best. It makes me proud when a young coach from us moves to the DEL," said chairman Günther Hanschitz.

Winkler devotes himself to his studies
Martin Ulmer announced the end of his career immediately after the 5-2 defeat in Feldkirch on Tuesday. At the age of 35, this came as no surprise. For Dario Winkler, however, it was. The 26-year-old Tyrolean announced his retirement on Wednesday. "I thought about it for a long time. I would have had the best offer of my career from the Sharks. But it's no longer possible. The pressure to perform with ice hockey and studying has become too much for me," said the future lawyer, who played 301 games in the ICE for Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, scoring 72 points (26 goals/46 assists).

"Team boss Roger Bader called me up for France in February, I told him first," said the striker, adding: "I want to be a referee."