Bolzano withdraws its reservations

The champion is alive: after weeks of silence and many speculations about the future of EBEL champion Bolzano Foxes, finally the club released a statement confirming the partecipation in the next EBEL and in the Champions Hockey League, the first task for Foxes, on the ice next 22 August in Finland against TPS Turku. A sigh of relief for Bolzano fans, concerned about the silence from April to now, while some of the stars of last unforgettable campaign leaving the team, from coach Tom Pokel (at Vienna Capitals) to many stars as Kim Strömberg (EC-KAC), Sebastien Piche (Linz), MacGregor Sharp (Schwenninger Wild Wings), Trent Whitfield (retired), Mark Santorelli (EC VSV) and Angelo Esposito (Fort Wayne Komets/ECHL). Now dynamic CEO Dieter Knoll has the tough task to build a team in a couple of weeks, trying to confirm the players left in the roster and signing new ones. And with a little budget: in the official statement, in effect, club admits a difficult economic situation: "The confirmation of our partecipation does not mean that the financial problems will be solved suddenly - said the club - but with the confirmation of the sponsors of last seasonnand negotiations undertaken with potential new partners, we have achieved the minimum level of security that allows us to compete. To give a solid basis to the club, of course we hope for the great support from private companies and public institutions, and of course from our fans "

"In a few days we will begin to announce confirmations and new signings, beginning from the coach. We know that time is short, but we believe we can assembly a competitive team. Defending the title of champion of the Ebel will be very difficult, and we must keep our feet on the ground: our goal is to secure a spot n the playoffs and honor our participation in the Champions League." said Knoll commenting the decision of the club

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