Release from 30.03.2017

5 questions to Simon Kostner (Rittner Buam)

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Simon Kostner, forward of the Rittner Buam, speaks about the start of the final. After winning the regular season, the Master Round and the Italian Championship, the formation of Klobenstein will begin to play the final of the Sky Alps Hockey League next Saturday against Asiago Hockey or HDD Jesenice.

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This question is a must: which team would you prefer to meet in the final of the AHL?
"For us there is no difference. At this point an opponent is like the other one. Both Asiago and Jesenice have a very powerful attack, which it will be their best weapon. This season we have always won against the Asiago. Jesenice, however, put us a bit in trouble. But in the end these factors could not be counted. "
 
The Ritten has reached another important goal which is to play for the first title ever in the Alps Sky Hockey League?
"It is a great feeling to be able to participate in the first final of this tournament and we want to get to the end. Our method of playing has not changed. We play four lines and everyone can make contribution to winning the games. Also, we talk a lot between us and the coach. After every game and training we try to understand the things that can be improved to reach the best result. "
 
Now that the final is with the formula of the best of seven games, is something changing?
"Definitely I prefer to play every two - three days. The time in playoff games must be very tight as a best-of-seven can give you. Waiting between a match of quarter final and semi-final was a bit long. I would say that one of the changes that can be done is to introduce for all the playoffs the formula “best of seven. "
 
In the last three years, the Ritten has always come at this time to play for the final playoffs. Are you prepared for what may be a commitment to a final?
"Certainly, we have accumulated a lot of experience and we are ready for the final. For example, two years ago against Asiago we lost Game 7 of the final. It was a hard lesson but then it was useful the next year to improve and win again. "
 
Are the fans important in such a context?
"Absolutely yes. It is important at home because it makes you feel comfortable and gives you a positive charge. But even in games away, because you feel the opponenst' strength and want to play better to prove your worth. In this sense, the final will be a great event both for us and for the opponents.“