Basic squad is set

13 Polar Bears for Zell’s new coach Marcel Rodman

Has extended his contract in the Bergstadt: Maximilian Egger.(Bild: EKZ)

With Marcel Rodman, the Zell Polar Bears have brought a well-known coach on board. The squad for the new season already comprises 13 cracks.

"We all made a joint decision in favor of Marcel Rodman because we were impressed by his philosophy of how he wants to play ice hockey, as well as his clarity, expertise and commitment,"explained Patrick Schwarz, managing director of the Zell Eisbären, the decision of the entire board to bring in the 42-year-old Slovenian as the new coach (most recently VSV). He succeeds Mike Flanagan.

The new Alps League squad already comprises 13 players. Five of them signed long-term contracts last summer. First and foremost Tyler Cuma, who arrived from Innsbruck and quickly became a fixture in Zell's defense, but was slowed down by a shoulder injury. Salzburg-born Max Egger is already entering his fourth EKZ year. Bernhard Fechtig still has a contract for a further two years. He is joined by strikers Fabio Artner and Daniel Ban, who also retired early. This fate also befell top scorer Nick Huard, who was retained.

Max Wilfan was brought in as a reinforcement in attack from league relegation candidates Lustenau. Most recently extended: Max Zimmermann, Alois Schultes, as well as Freddy Widen, Philipp Mair, Alex Lahoda, Christian Jennes.