New man for Caps

“Have to really get the squad into the swing of things now”

Predan, Jasper and Wallner (from left) want to get back on the attack after the international break.(Bild: GEPA)

The Vienna Capitals' ice hockey cracks are getting a few days off during the current international break to recharge their batteries. In addition to Mathias Böhm and Leon Wallner, assistant coach Fabian Scholz is also traveling with the national team. For the very important games that follow, the Kagran team have strengthened their squad with a goal scorer.

On February 12 at home against Villach, then the away double in Innsbruck and Vorarlberg and finally the home game against Ljubljana on February 21. These four games will finally decide whether the Vienna Capitals can hold on to tenth place and enter the ICE Hockey League pre-play-offs. They currently have a six-point lead over Vorarlberg. Sounds comfortable, but you can't afford to take too many chances.

"We want and need to be at full strength after this break," says Christian Dolezal, the Caps' sporting director. Of course, that also applies against their first opponent Villach. The Carinthians have won four of their last five games. The away game in Feldkirch will also be particularly exciting. "The current phase is already similar to a play-off," nods Dolezal.

Christian Dolezal knows how important the upcoming games are.(Bild: GEPA)

"Scoring goals is my big weapon!"
For the upcoming games, the Kagran team added an extra striker on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Canadian Zack Andrusiak will be on the hunt for goals for the Caps until the end of the season. "Scoring goals is my big weapon, hopefully I can help the team with that," said the left-shooter, who recently scored 18 goals in 39 games as one of the top ten scorers in the Slovakian first division.

The pre-playoffs are something like the Caps' minimum goal this season. Achieving them is now also a matter of the mind. "It has a lot to do with mental aspects. Some players have special things they do to be particularly focused," says "Dole". For him and the coaching staff, there is one thing above all else: "We have to really get the squad into it now."