Release from 23.02.2017

5 questions to Matteo Peiti (HC Neumarkt RIWEGA)

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A conversation with Matteo Peiti, forward of HC Neumarkt Riwega. The "Wild Geese" had a very good second phase so far with lately five consecutive wins and are close to the Play-offs, lead the Qualification Round B.

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So, what can you tell us of this very good time and about the possibility of gaining access to the playoffs for your team?
"We can say that now we are the owners of our destiny. Just one game is missing and we cannot do calculations against Sterzing. We know that we have only to win. And that's it. It is the last obstacle that we need to overcome in order to get to the playoffs and this thing gives us a lot of energy and charge. We also know that in the first match of the second stage the Broncos defeated us clearly and so we expect a final battle independently of the other results. In addition, the Sterzing is a team that always enters in good condition in the second part of the season and so it will be a very difficult challenge."
 
You have beaten twice in a row the team that was leading the round Qualifying B (Zell am See). What was the secret of your performance?
"I would say we were very aware of what it was expecting us. In this period we have done a lot of video studies of the opponents and we prepared a lot. During the games, we skated a lot and we had a great desire to win. We are a very young team and at the same time very humble. We know we cannot compete for winning the AHL but we can challenge any opponent. We have two good goalkeepers like Morandell and Steiner. The four foreigner players are fundamental one for one reason and the other one for another one. Also, four years ago, we won the INL. Many of us were already used to traveling and to the stadiums. Indeed, the INL in some ways was much more demanding in terms of travelling time since there were more Slovenian teams."
 
What do you think of the championship SKY Alps Hockey League?
"I would say that it is a very balanced league and this is a key factor for young players. Last year we did the Serie B but the championship was divided among the top teams and the lowest formations. There was too much difference. Instead in the AHL every game is difficult regardless the opponent. The matches are always tough and hard-fought. Not only against the head formations but also against those further down in the ranking. An example: on Wednesday we only won in the last minute against Kitzbuhel which was already eliminated. But it is not only last night. All the year was like that. As a proposal I would say that to create even more interest it should be introduced demotions and promotions from AHL to Erste Bank Eishockey League and viceversa. In this way there would be a challenge for all the teams."
 
Which do you think are the teams that will play for winning the SKY Alps Hockey League?
"I would say without a doubt Renon which is the most complete team and that had a constant results. But if I have to mention another team I would indicate Jesenice. The Slovenian team is absolutely of top level, and anyone who wants to win the AHL must deal with the Red Steelers."
 
Your future?
"I have been playing ice hockey since I was six years old and I have been wearing the jersey of Neumarkt for six years now. At the same time I started to work in the world of hotel reservations, thanks to Neumarkt team who encouraged me to start this kind of work and I am now in a large and famous multinational of this sector. I am very happy with what I do, sometimes it is also challenging but I will try to combine sport and business as long as I can. "
Picture: Max Pattis
 
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