After a solid 2013-2014 season (6th in the regular season and then eliminated in the quarter-finals of the playoffs), Nice Hockey is approaching the new season with ambitions and a roster that has undergone numerous changes.
For its sixth consecutive season in Division 1 (the 2nd national division), Nice Hockey Côte d’Azur completed the regular season in sixth place. In the playoffs, the journey ended in the first round with a 2-1 defeat against Mulhouse.
“I take away positives from this season. We were really close to qualifying during the decider. Defensively and physically, we were not up to par,” analyzes Alexandre Duyck, general manager of the Nice club.
Transfers
With 10 departures and 8 arrivals, NHCA is changing its plans and modifying half of its lineup for the upcoming season.
Defense has notably been a prioritized area with the transfer of experienced players like Canadian Kevin Bergin and Czech Bohdan Visnak.
“We are very pleased with the recruitment. With the arrival of tall, physical, and experienced players, we will be able to meet the physical challenge that Division 1 demands.
Moreover, the arrival of young goalie Vojtech Sedlacek (former Sparta Prague) is a gamble, he might surprise,” explains Alexandre Duyck.
What’s New?
The change of the club’s colors was a desire of the board of directors, and it became a reality since the club’s general assembly on June 10th. Next season, Nice Hockey will play with a black and red jersey, the colors of the city. The jersey will be revealed on August 29, the opening date of the Aseca 2000 Tournament.
On August 29-30-31, the Jean Bouin ice rink will for the first time host a preseason tournament. After inconsistent preparations in previous years, the Nice club is making a great move with the presence on its ice of Briançon, the 2014 French champion, Chamonix, a Ligue Magnus team, and Mulhouse, NHCA’s Division 1 nemesis.
Over the course of three days, Nice Hockey will face the cream of French hockey, providing an opportunity to test the new team and prepare in the best possible way. The objective will be to be fully ready by September 6th for the start of the championship.
Goal for 2014-2015
NHCA remains a young club in French hockey, as analyzed by the club’s general manager: “We still need to structure the club, develop it, and professionalize it. The organization of the tournament (August 29-30-31) is an important first step in our goal.”
For the 2014-2015 season, the stated objective is a spot in the top four of the regular season and, at a minimum, a semi-final.
Clément Bigois
