Hot date in Graz

The 99ers present their first new additions

Herbert Jerich (right) officially took over from Jochen Pildner-Steinburg (left) on March 1(Bild: Sepp Pail)

On Friday, the new 99ers president Herbert Jerich will present his vision for the future of Graz ice hockey and confirm the first new players. An extension has been signed with a fan favorite.

Two weeks ago, the Graz 99ers' horror season came to an end with their 37th defeat in 48 games. Now, however, a spring breeze is blowing through the Liebenau "Bunker", and under new president Herbert Jerich the club wants to set off into a successful future. On Friday morning, the new ice hockey boss will present his plans, not only introducing his board, but also officially announcing the first additions.

The signing of Lukas Haudum (r.) is an open secret.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The rumor mill is churning
It has been an open secret for weeks that Lukas Haudum and Manuel Ganahl will join the 99ers from the KAC. "We will also confirm two or three other players, including two legionnaires," Jerich assured the "Krone" in advance.

Prominent names have recently emerged in the rumor mill: National player Ali Wukovits (Salzburg), Ljubljana attacker Trevor Gooch, Kevin Roy (Innsbruck) or the Canadian top scorer and league MVP Steven Owre (Vorarlberg). 

Schiechl stays on board
Meanwhile, a crowd favorite has been extended: Michael Schiechl, who had been captain of the team since Taylor Matson left in January. The 35-year-old from Judenburg is the fifth crack so far to stay after the horror season. As previously announced, Sam Antonitsch, Jacob Pfeffer, Clemens Krainz and goalie Nicolas Wieser will also be part of the team in 2024/25.

Michael Schiechl remains loyal to the 99ers(Bild: GEPA pictures)

However, another open secret will not be revealed on Friday: the new head coach. Although the club wants him to be called Harry Lange, the deal cannot yet be officially announced. "For various reasons, we can't present a coach yet," said Jerich cryptically.

A fresh start for the 99ers
However, the president promises a significantly increased budget, a new way of dealing with the players at the club and a "real new start" for the team, which he intends to present to the public on Friday.

The takeover of long-term president Jochen Pildner-Steinburg was originally planned for May 1, but was brought forward to March 1 on Jerich's initiative: "Because I thought it was time. You can only make certain decisions when you actually own the club. That's why we're starting now."