Release from 23.08.2026

Goalie veteran Alex Caffi to lead young Pioneers squad

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Alex Caffi has been a key pillar of the Pioneers Vorarlberg since the club joined the league. The 36-year-old will guide Feldkirch’s young roster as a veteran presence in the upcoming win2day ICE Hockey League season. In an interview, Caffi discusses the challenges ahead, his role-model status, and what makes the matchups against league newcomers Milan so special.

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The Pioneers underwent a major rebuild this offseason, with 15 new players now on Marco Ojanen’s roster. As the new head coach’s first choice in net, Caffi enters his fifth season with the Vorarlberg side. Including his prior stint in the Alps Hockey League, he has been based in Feldkirch for more than a decade. “For me, Feldkirch is always my first choice. It has felt like home to me for many years, and I’m excited because it’s a great challenge. To get better and grow, you have to go through difficult moments. We know that we have to fight every time, and that’s what I like about it,” Caffi says.

Veteran presence in a young lineup
Vorarlberg has signed numerous young players who will get the chance to develop at the highest level. At 36, Caffi is the most experienced player on the Pioneers’ roster. The Italian-Austrian dual national is fully aware of his role-model responsibilities. “I’m the oldest guy on the team, and this will be my 15th year as a professional. For me, it’s great to show the younger guys what it takes to be a professional athlete. You have to make sacrifices. Sometimes it’s hard, but you just have to keep going and never quit. I’m not a loud guy in the locker room. I prefer to lead by example and show things through my actions rather than through my words. I think we have a group of good guys who will take on this challenge in the right way,” he explains.

The Milan factor
The Pioneers opened the preseason with a 5–3 home win over Swiss side HC Thurgau. Three more exhibition games are currently scheduled before the win2day ICE Hockey League regular season kicks off at home against Villach on September 18. Caffi, who himself played for Milano Rossoblu in Italy for one season, is especially looking forward to the matchups with the new Milan team, particularly the away games on October 30 and January 2. “It’s something special for me, because I grew up just half an hour away. I already know that when we play in Milan, around 30 to 40 people will come to watch me. So it’s definitely going to be exciting, and I’ve already marked the dates in my calendar.”