After winning the second division (D2) trophy in 2008, Nice has secured its first top division (D1) trophy. A title that eluded them in 2012 against Mulhouse. Happy and aware of the achievement, here are the reactions following this first French D1 championship title.
Stan Sutor (coach of the Nice Eagles):
« We have never seen such a full rink here. There is room for hockey in Nice. It evokes emotion. The players threw themselves at the puck, the guys gave it their all. It truly is the culmination of our work throughout the season. The Magnus League is a bonus. We’re already going to savor this victory, which was really the number one goal this season. What we just did is huge! As a coach, it’s my first title. At home this year, we were unbeatable. We played 18 matches, one loss. The team is very good and at home, it’s a fortress. At the start of the season, we said no one should come to win here. »
Aurélien Macon (captain of Nice Hockey):
« Lifting the title at home, it couldn’t be better. We lost twice in Anglet, we weren’t in a good position, but at home, we played an exemplary match. We had a blast, it’s pure happiness! We can’t do better, we couldn’t dream of better. Damn, we are champions at home! We’re going to celebrate, we’re happy, we’re not even thinking about Tuesday’s game yet (play-off match against the 12th team in the Magnus League, Morzine). Tuesday is another day; we’ll see what happens. We won this match with motivation, guts, and desire. What I take away from this season is coming back with the title. I’m with great guys. We’re closing the season in the best way possible. For now, it’s the best moment of my career, there’s also the D2 title, but this one has a different flavor. »
Stanislas Aubert (defender for Nice Hockey):
« We feel a lot of things at once. It’s an incredible rush of emotion. Quite honestly, winning the cup here is fabulous! With our crowd, it would have been a shame to win it in Anglet (laughs). I think tonight we played the perfect match, we showed that this year, it was us, and there’s no possible discussion. What made the difference, in my opinion, was dedication. We lost twice at their place, but we knew we had shown something. We have a team spirit we’ve almost never had. We came together, and that made the difference. I’ve known the Magnus League, I’ve experienced a D1 title with Neuilly, but back then, it was in two winning matches. It wasn’t the same, we became champions away, and I was especially 21 years old (laughs). Now, I am one of the leaders of the team, and it’s the biggest emotion of my life, clearly. »
The Eagles now have an appointment on Tuesday for the play-off (in 3 matches) against the 12th team of the Magnus League, HCMAG (Hockey Club Morzine Avoriaz Les Gets). If Nice Hockey loses these matches, they will remain in D1 next season. In case of triumph, Nice Hockey will meet with the elite of French hockey.
Kevin Chifflet
