Olimpija Ljubljana (4th, 17) – Josh Lawrence (W, 24)
With 15 points (8 goals), he is currently the league's top scorer. Small in stature, but as announced, a true speedster. Already last year, a key player for Slovak champions HK Nitra. Why isn't he playing there anymore? It was impossible to obtain a police certificate from Russia – where he spent most of last season – which is a prerequisite for permanent employment in Slovakia.
Milano HC (5th, 16) – Jake Smith (T, 31)
After a strong start, the league newcomer recently stumbled a bit – due to injuries and perhaps also travel fatigue. This was not due to goalie Jake Smith, who, like on Sunday against Bolzano, made a huge number of saves. Will his athletic style last the entire season? The most beautiful split among league goalies...
HC Pustertal (6th, 14) – Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (W/C, 25)
The Wolves entered the off-season with the premise of getting faster – Fontaine, who came from the ECHL, is contributing to that. An explosive player with a very good shot. It remains to be seen whether his hockey sense is sufficient for better leagues. But without adaptation problems and a very good addition.
Vienna Capitals (7th, 14) – Adam Reideborn (G, 33)
Apart from a 4-0 win against Innsbruck and a 2-6 loss against Milano, all games for the Caps have been decided by one goal. It's hard to imagine how things would have gone so far with the originally planned goalie solution. Two permanently injured Austrians led Reideborn to Vienna; he will likely remain the starting goalie for the entire season. The widely announced solution with a red-white-red (Austrian) duo quickly vanished...
Graz 99ers (8th, 14) – Nick Swaney (W, 29)
A tough season so far for the reigning champions – injuries came on top of significant departures in the summer. However, with Swaney, a player who has also repeatedly struggled with health setbacks, remained fit (so far). Whether in the CHL or ICE – Swaney keeps scoring, and his energy was never in question anyway.
Red Bull Salzburg (9th, 13) – Ty Rattie (W, 33)
He hasn't played a single game yet, but is already the beacon of hope for the Red Bulls: Rattie, who was only announced on Monday, brings a far more interesting resume than the rest of the new imports. A playmaking winger who can set up plays but also finish them himself. Needs defensive support, more of a grinder than a playmaker as a center (Benjamin Nissner?). Also important: Rattie is considered very introverted; he and his wife need to feel welcome. If that succeeds (and he is in good shape), he should provide offensive impetus; others will have to correct the high number of goals conceded.
HC Innsbruck (10th, 13) – Sam Harvey (G, 28)
As expected, a key player for the Sharks if they hope for the top 10. Harvey will have to play almost every game, but he is already used to that from Bolzano. With fewer than two goals scored per game – not that it comes as a surprise – the HCI has no room for soft goaltending and defensive performances.
VSV (11th, 13) – Linus Andersson (W, 27)
Initially barely noticeable on the ice, now injured – the Swedish winger (1 A in 7 games) is a mega-flop so far. Andersson also had the reputation in Sweden for going missing for long stretches; his shot (not yet seen) nevertheless made him a streaky scorer. VSV has to take what is offered to them; financially, no major changes will be possible. He was announced as a “light player,” which unfortunately has been confirmed so far.
Fehervar (12th, 11) – Janos Hari (C, 34)
Again the fewest goals in the league, again a slow squad – Fehervar is heading for another weak season. However, with Istvan Bartalis, Max Gerlach, and Peter Vincze missing since the start of the season, an entire forward line is absent, so some attackers are playing above their weight class. But Janos Hari is increasingly becoming the face of a team that has been declining for years – the times when the center effortlessly created offense himself are probably over.
Ferencvaros Budapest (13th, 10) – Bence Balizs (G, 36)
Again injuries, and additionally, imports from the budget segment had to be confirmed or newly acquired. Hopes for a playoff spot could fade earlier than last season. However: If you plan with Bence Balizs as the starting goalie, that might not be enough either. No other netminder in the league gives up so many questionable goals. His five-hole sometimes looks like a barn door.
Pioneers Vorarlberg (14th, 1) – Guus van Nes (W, 29)
At the start of the season, still with some close and unfortunate losses, the games for the Pioneers now seem to be turning out more clearly as expected – not that this comes as any surprise. Among the "new" imports, returnee Guus Van Nes often stands out as a one-man show with more than a point per game. Privately, he has found happiness in the Ländle (Vorarlberg region), but what happens on the ice, he can only influence to a limited extent...
