Zündel comes to Graz

All new: How the 99ers find their players

Despite only being 23 years old, Kilian Zündel already has more than 50 international caps to his name.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The next new addition to the 99ers ice hockey club: the team player Kilian Zündel has come to the Mur. But they don't buy at random, everything is done according to a system. Neo-scout Benjamin Grundauer explained to the "Krone" how the club gets its new players.

Ice hockey club 99ers is currently stirring up the transfer market. However, the team from Graz is not just signing players at random, everything is going according to a plan. For the first time, the club has its own scout, Benjamin Grundauer. And he explained the steps leading up to the signing to the "Krone":

Step 1: I look at a lot of players. I currently have around 130 in my database. I currently spend three to four hours of video scouting every day, with three to four videos for each player.

Step 2: If a player fits our profile according to the videos, then I watch him live in the rink.

Step3: If he convinces me there too, I talk to the player on site. Then I pass the data on to sports director Philipp Pinter and coach Harry Lange.

Step4: If he suits them as well, they receive a full scouting report. After that, they may either already be convinced or they may take another look at him live.

Step5: Harry or Philipp call or talk to the player to see if he has the same character and the same goals. They want to see for themselves.

Step6: If all three of us come to the same conclusion, then in the best case the player will be signed by the 99ers.

Grundauer emphasizes one thing in particular in his work: "Communication and mutual trust are important." And that President Jerich, who has committed himself for several years, is primarily concerned with sustainability. "In addition, we don't just bring in the top scorers, but pay particular attention to the chemistry in the team."

In the previous season, Zündel (right) was briefly loaned to the Vienna Capitals.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

On Thursday, the 99ers announced their next new addition: Team player Kilian Zündel is moving from the Swiss club Ambri-Piotta to the Mur. "I see a lot of potential in Graz, especially in terms of the club's new structure. I also want to develop as a player and take on more responsibility in the future," says the 23-year-old defenseman, who has signed a three-year contract.