Release from 18.09.2025
28-year-old Philipp Pöschmann has played in every Alps Hockey League season so far – for Lustenau and EC Bregenzerwald. With Bregenzerwald, the forward reached the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, a goal he is aiming for again this year. Pöschmann also looks back on his personal highlights in the league and ahead to the road trip to Jesenice and Sisak next week to open the season. Bregenzerwald is the only team with no game on the opening weekend.
The Alps Hockey League turns 10 this year. How has the level of play evolved since its early days?
Philipp Pöschmann: “I think the game has changed in a way that there are a lot more young players in the league now. The game has become faster, with more energy in every match. That’s how it has developed over the last 10 years.”
Which players have had the biggest impact on the league over the past nine seasons?
Philipp Pöschmann: “I can’t really single out one individual player. There have been a lot of good, even great players in our league. Ethan Szypula breaking the 100-point record last year was pretty impressive to witness. I’m sure many more good and great players will come out of this league and also into this league.”
What has been your personal highlight in the Alps Hockey League so far?
Philipp Pöschmann: “For me, the highlight was the past three years as a whole. We made the playoffs each time – twice with Bregenzerwald and once with Lustenau. Experiencing playoff hockey in the Alps Hockey League was really special for me. Those best-of-seven series were intense every time, and hopefully we’ll get that chance again this year.”
How has the Alps Hockey League shaped Austrian hockey, especially in developing young players?
Philipp Pöschmann: “I think creating the Alps Hockey League was really important. I’m not too familiar with how the league was before, but the competition definitely got more intense with the addition of Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian teams. It’s a good league with a lot of teams, and for young players it’s a great step between U20 hockey and the pro level to showcase themselves for higher leagues.”
Which rivalries make the league special and what are your season highlights?
Philipp Pöschmann: “This year, games against Kitzbühel and Zell am See will be special again. There’s a strong rivalry. We faced Zell am See in the first round of the playoffs last season and lost that series, so of course we want to make up for it and beat them this year.”
With what expectations are you heading into the anniversary season?
Philipp Pöschmann: “For sure, the expectation is to make the playoffs again. This year we’ll do everything we can to get past the first round, and from there it’s wide open. Once you’re in the playoffs, anybody can win the championship.”
Who will be the anniversary champion, and which underdog might surprise?
Philipp Pöschmann: “It’s always tough to predict who will win the championship. Of course, there are favorites like Zell am See, some of the Italian teams, and Jesenice, who are always strong. But I think it’s totally open every year. That’s the beauty of hockey – even the biggest underdog has a chance to win it all.”
Facing Jesenice and Sisak on the road, what will be key for a strong start to the anniversary season?
Philipp Pöschmann: “It’s going to be a tough road trip with the long travel to Jesenice and then on to Sisak. We just have to stick to our game plan, play to our strengths, focus on our game – and I’m pretty sure we can take points from both games.”
All games of the new Alps Hockey League season will be streamed live on www.valcome.tv. To watch all the games of your team during the Regular Season and the Master/Qualification Round, there is a special Team Pass available for only €99.