President Bernardi satisfied with having reached the playoff goal «Favorite opponent? Let’s say Val Pusteria for logistical reasons “
CORTINA
Cortina enjoys the quarter-finals in Alps. Seasonal goal achieved for the Ampezzani who, beating the Bregenzerwald in two balanced challenges, won access to the playoffs of the transalpine league. Waiting to know on Friday who will be the opponent in the quarterfinals, President Silvio Bernardi praises the work of his men so far.
«We have reached one of our seasonal objectives», confirms the number one of the Ampezzo club, «it was not easy to reach this goal, but our roster proved to be up to it. From now on we expect some races where the boys will have to fight with all their strength to reach the semifinal, it would be a further reward for the work done so far ».
Against the Bregenzerwald it was not a walk. Despite the series closed in two races, the opponents have given you a hard time. Did you expect such balanced matches?
«The Austrians are a very young team that skates very well, they have been able to override our best men, like Giftopoulos for example. In this league, there is no team you can play calmly with, it is essential to keep your attention against everyone. The guys gave everything on the ice and managed to get the qualification, this is what counts ».
Hockey, like the whole world of sport, is facing a difficult year. Despite the difficulties related to Covid and the change of coach after several seasons with De Bettin, the team expressed a good game.
«I believe this is a transition year for us. We have had several problems between injuries and absences, coach Machacka has hardly ever been able to count on all his men, he has been very good at putting the group together and we are satisfied with the work he has done so far ».
Friday Olimpia Lubiana, Jesenice, Val Pusteria and Asiago will have the advantage of choosing their opponent in the quarters. Which team would you prefer to meet?
«In the regular season we defeated all these teams. Honestly, we must not be afraid of anyone even if the level of these formations is really very high. If I have to name a name, I would prefer Val Pusteria, only for the very easy logistics in dealing with the trip to Brunico ».
Val Pusteria and Olympia Ljubljana were admitted to the old Ebel. The Alps will lose two protagonists from next year, what future do you expect for this championship?
«I think the best solution is to return to a good level Italian championship, with the inclusion of some important players. The Alps could become a competition between the best formations that every year reach the top of the national championships. Surely the inclusion of other Austrian or Slovenian teams would increase the cost of travel and may not be the best solution. We will talk about it again at the end of the season ». –