Twelve cracks are fixed

Vienna Capitals present first basic squad

Leon Wallner (right) is currently playing for the national team and will start another season with the Capitals.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Last season was historically bad for the ice hockey cracks of the Vienna Capitals. But Vienna Kagran is only looking ahead. The Caps have now presented their first twelve-man basic squad for the coming season. In addition to homegrown veterans and talents, one legionnaire has already been confirmed.

As we all know, you should stop when it's at its best. "After a season like the last one, I can't just quit. The club is a matter close to my heart," says Mario Fischer. The 34-year-old will - as the "Krone" reported - lead the Vienna Capitals onto the ice as captain for another year after 737 games and the last "epidemic season".

The first part of the squad with which the Kagran team will start the coming season is now official. Of the twelve fixed cracks so far, eleven are from Austria. Only in the case of Canadian Zane Franklin did the Caps have an option for another season with the defenseman.

"This basic squad represents a stable foundation for the coming and further seasons," says Christian Dolezal, most recently Head Coach and now, as Sporting Director of the Capitals, looking for his own successor for the important position of Head Coach: "We are endeavoring to be able to present him by the end of April." Further reinforcements will then be made in consultation with the new coach.

Zane Franklin will not be the only legionnaire in the Caps' squad.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

In addition to veterans such as Fischer (34), Heinrich (33) and Hartl (32), the basic squad also includes many young talents. Such as 21-year-old Leon Wallner, who recently scored two goals for the national team.

Austria will face Germany twice on Thursday and Saturday in Garmisch and Zell/See before Canada come to the Steffl Arena on May 5. 

CAPS BASIC SQUAD: Goal: Lorenz Widhalm (20 years old). - Defense: Mario Fischer (34), Dominic Hackl (27), Dominique Heinrich (33), Lukas Piff (23), Bernhard Posch (23). - Offense: Zane Franklin (KAN/25), Patrick Antal (23), Mathias Böhm (21), Niki Hartl (32), Leon Wallner (21), Leon Widhalm (20).