After an excellent season in division 1 marked by promotion to the Ligue Magnus, the club has undertaken significant internal work to ensure the Eagles are ready for the upcoming season.
“We are ready,” says Stan Sutor, the head coach of Nice Hockey Côte d’Azur (NHCA). According to him, the club is operational for the next season in the Ligue Magnus, whether in sports, structural, or financial aspects. “A lot of work has been done to be ready right from the start of the season,” he adds.
NHCA had to adhere to the Ligue Magnus’s requirements. Hence, structurally, a physiotherapist and an equipment manager were hired full-time. Concerning infrastructures, everything is perfectly adapted to compete among the elite. Financially, the City and the club have done everything to enable the Eagles to defend their chances in the Ligue Magnus next season.
Objective: Stay with players 100% committed
On the sports level, Nice Hockey Côte d’Azur also had to comply with standards. “Next season, we will play 3 games a week instead of just one,” explains Stan Sutor. The games will take place on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. “Thus, it requires players 100% committed and living purely for hockey,” admits the Slovak coach.
As a result, 3 players are leaving the club in the off-season because they will not be able to balance professional and sports careers. “There is necessarily an important rhythm to adopt with the series of training, travels, and games,” estimates the NHCA coach.
On the ice, the Eagles will aim to maintain their status at the end of the 2016/2017 season. “Even though it will be a learning season, it is the number one objective,” announces Stan Sutor. To achieve this, the club promotes stability and the experience of its group. “There are only 3 departures. There will be some balance for the next season. My players have the level to compete among the elite,” confides the Slovak coach.
On the recruitment side, it is complete. 10 players are joining the ranks of Nice Hockey Côte d’Azur. They have all already played in the Ligue Magnus.
