A mix of young and older players now ranks among the favorites for promotion to Division 1, alongside Lyon and Brest. But before returning to their regular league schedule, the team from the French Riviera will challenge the reigning French champions from Grenoble tonight. A face-off that seems predetermined. However…
Facing the Grenoble Brûleurs de Loup in the French Cup’s Round of 16 was something neither the NHCA president nor the club players anticipated at the beginning of the season. The president sees it as a bonus and an opportunity to enjoy it simply because there isn’t the chance to play such a match every day, and the league remains the most important. Mickaël Médioni also notes that he has complete confidence in his players, who are mature enough to distinguish between what’s more important, advancing in the league, and the joy of playing against Grenoble. Following their victory over Chambéry, NHCA is tied for first place in their group with Lyon. This is an ideal situation after the start of return matches and especially a way to approach the match with full confidence since the Niçois have nothing to lose.
Tonight’s game, clearly imbalanced, promises to be intense, especially with BSN, one of OGC Nice’s supporter groups, attending at the Jean Bouin ice rink to cheer on the azure and burgundy players. The players can rely on the return of Pascal Margerit, captain until last season and who came out of retirement after Slavomir Krzak’s departure. His return is a source of satisfaction for the young president: “It’s great that he’s here; it’s a real satisfaction at all levels, on the ice as well as in the locker room. We’re lucky to have him.” For his part, the former captain eagerly awaits this match. “It’s a dream that can turn into a nightmare, but it’ll be interesting to see a real professional team, one of the best in France. It’ll be very hard, even if we’ll spend the whole match defending.” The current captain, Augustin Gilardin, notes: “It will be special for the young players who will discover top-level play; it’s good for them, it’s a great experience. I think we have nothing to lose, let’s enjoy ourselves, and we shouldn’t take the match lightly.”
Since winning the round of 32 against Montpellier a month ago, the Eagles of Nice have known they’d face the reigning French champions from Grenoble, but they are not putting additional pressure on themselves. Quite the opposite. Pascal Margerit even confesses: “I’m not thinking about this match at all because the most important thing is the league. In the French Cup, we are well aware we won’t get far, we know we won’t advance against Grenoble. It would take all of their players being injured. It will be very good training.”
Tonight, a spot in the quarter-finals is at stake and a possible confrontation against the second-place team from the last Magnus League, Morzine-Avoriaz. The Niçois players are counting on the audience to create as much atmosphere as possible. They hope for lots of noise to help them in this important match. More than advancing to the next round, it’s public support and recognition for their sport that the players from the Riviera are expecting from this meeting. To more quickly reach the heights they deserve.
Whether you know hockey or not, come discover it, you’ll leave delighted no matter the score. The rules aren’t complicated, and a spectator who knows them will surely be happy to explain. It’s guaranteed.
The confrontation between NHCA and Grenoble takes place at the Jean Bouin Sports Complex (5th floor) at 7:30 PM.
Ticket prices:
– Adults: €6
– Students: €4
– Under 12s: Free
The Jean Bouin parking lot is open to the public.
Photo credit: www.nicehockey.com
