The U17 and U20 teams are starting their 2024/25 championship this weekend.
On Friday evening, the U20 will host their counterparts from Lausanne at the Eisstadion Davos, before traveling to Zug on Sunday. The U17 will also kick off the season at home in Davos against Lugano. The preparation has been intense and has revealed some weaknesses – one of which lies in the intensity.
A few weeks ago, the U20 team led by Félicien Du Bois and Dino Wieser, as well as the U17 under Jakub Volek and Thomas Wellinger, were in the Czech Republic. The training camp and test matches made it clear what still needs improvement, according to youth manager Renè Müller. “We often lack intensity, which is why we have put a special focus on this in recent weeks. I have already seen significant progress over the past two weeks, and we need to build on that. It’s essential to work persistently on these points in training and implement them in games.”
Félicien Du Bois agrees from the U20’s perspective. “It’s about the players showing the will to win duels, and that starts in training. We are starting the season with a broader squad than last year – that’s good, as it increases the competition among each other, but it’s also a challenge for us coaches to keep everyone motivated, including those who will occasionally be surplus to requirements.” Du Bois discusses the consistency that is currently lacking. They want to approach the first two matches with healthy self-confidence, which also means not waiting for the opponent to make a move but marking their presence on the ice from the start.
Fast, hard hockey as a long-term goal
The U17 will start the season on Sunday under coaches Jakub Volek and Thomas Wellinger. Naturally, they too have a new team composition – as about half of the players from last season have moved up to the U20. At the same time, players from the U15 have now joined the U17. “We had a good preparation, and now the season start is approaching, but we see the big picture – the season is long.” The U17 is also working on the issue of intensity, adds Jakub Volek. “We want to play fast hockey, bring a high intensity to the ice, be strong in two-way play, and constantly perfect our skills.”
In the friendly matches, they have already seen good signs of this. However, to perfect and solidify this in the long term, consistent hard work is required. “We are challenged as coaches.”
The U20 will play on Friday at the Eisstadion Davos at 20:15. The U17 will then play on Sunday at 15:00. In between, the season opening of the HCD will take place on Saturday, August 31, starting at 12:00. A celebration for the entire HCD family. Admission is free.
Source: HCD Online Editorial Team