Release from 05.11.2024
Former Fehérvár player David Kiss, who took on the head coach role unexpectedly last season, has proven that his team is a top contender this year. “A strong start is very important for a successful season, and it feels great to have achieved that again this year,” says Kiss. Last season, Fehérvár went into the break in third place, but this time they’re leading the league. Kiss holds his team to high standards, seeing their success as a result of strong team performance and clear goals. As he explains, “The baseline for us is no longer just making the playoffs. We’re working to stay consistently in the top five and to go as far as possible in the playoffs.”
Success Factor 1: Champions Hockey League
A major turning point in Fehérvár’s development was competing in the Champions Hockey League (CHL), where they faced off against some of Europe’s top teams. While they didn’t secure any wins, the experience was invaluable, as Kiss notes: “These games have helped us prepare for any situation in our league games.” In the CHL, Fehérvár gained crucial experience that’s now paying off in the ICE League. Players learned to stay composed under pressure and manage games effectively – a skill that has helped them maintain their position at the top.
Success Factor 2: Young Talent and Experienced Leaders
The dynamic blend of young talent and experienced veterans on the team has been a winning formula, particularly when injuries have sidelined regular starters. Kiss explains how this mix has driven the team forward: “The young players have stepped up and made the most of their ice time. My job is to find the right moments for them to be on the ice and give them the right amount of time.” This healthy competition and strong locker-room cohesion have brought the team closer and strengthened their resolve.
Success Factor 3: Goaltending
Kiss is especially proud of his goaltending duo, Rasmus Reijola and Dominik Horváth, who are both posting impressive save percentages, with Reijola currently leading the league at 95.6%. Kiss sees this as clear proof of effective training and the confidence invested in the players: “Both goalies have shown that they can win games for us. Dominik was out for a while with an injury, but we had to find a way to bring him back and give him some games.”
Success Factor 4: A Timely Break
With the international break now here, Kiss recognizes the need to take a step back and reflect on their strong recent performance. “Even though we’ve been on a great run, the players need a mental and physical break,” he says. The coach remains realistic, though, and is already looking ahead to the rest of the season: after the break, the goal is to extend their winning streak and secure a playoff spot early.
Success Factor 5: David Kiss
David Kiss has proven that his appointment as head coach last year was a pivotal step in Fehérvár’s success story. Since taking the helm, his team has won over 65% of their games in the win2day ICE Hockey League – a record most coaches in the league can only aspire to. For comparison, the head coach of defending champions EC Red Bull Salzburg, who took on his role the same time as Kiss, has a league winning percentage of 62.5%.