Pioneers defenceman Ramón Schnetzer: "We have to grow together as a unit"

The Pioneers Vorarlberg are preparing for their fourth season in the win2day ICE Hockey League, starting with a trip to Linz on 12 September. In the 2023/24 campaign, the team from Feldkirch achieved its greatest success to date by reaching the quarter-finals. Last season, a weak start to the season prevented a better result than eleventh place. The team improved steadily, but ultimately fell just short of reaching the pre-playoffs. "The first few games were good, but then we fell into a slump that we couldn't shake off. In the second half of the season, we finally found ourselves and showed our potential. Unfortunately, it was too late, but I'm still proud that we never gave up and played really good hockey towards the end. All in all, of course we could have done better," recalls Ramón Schnetzer, who has already played 353 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League.

The defenceman was able to play his way into the limelight with strong performances in his first season with the Pioneers and even made it into the Austrian World Championship squad. The 28-year-old recorded one goal and one assist in eight WC games; Team Austria sensationally reached the quarter-finals with the Pioneers player. "The fact that I was able to be part of the most recent World Championship still seems a little unrealistic! It was a dream come true to be on this stage. I could never have dreamed that the World Championship would turn out like this. I was able to take away a lot of experiences and great memories," says Schnetzer, who took some time out after the tournament to prepare for the new season. "I usually spend the summer in Vienna, as my sister, some of my family and most of my friends live there. It was perfect to switch off mentally and get away from ice hockey. That's important, so I can start the new season with a clear head. I've also had my own off-ice coach for a few years now, who knows me well and knows exactly what I need to work on."

This week, the Vorarlberg team led by neo-head coach Johannes Nygård started training. The team for the new season also includes seven import newcomers who want to prove themselves for the first time in the win2day ICE Hockey League. "The start of training is always exciting when you can meet in person for the first time. I think we've brought in fast, dynamic players with a lot of energy. Even this year, we don't have the most prominent names or the most experienced team. Many come from college or don't have much professional experience yet. Nevertheless, everyone is here for a reason and if we manage to grow together as a unit and a family sooner, I'm confident that we can achieve a lot. I think we can definitely spring a surprise," hopes Schnetzer, who is also working meticulously on himself: "Personally, I want to take another step forward. There's still so much I can work on. I'm still a long way from realising my full potential. At the same time, I want to help our young players and be a good leader."