ESC Geretsried is working on its squad for the new season. Eight players have already confirmed their commitments, with more to follow. It was also announced that goalkeeper Martin Morczinietz is ending his career.
Geretsried – Peter Holdschik completed the first contract extension just one week after the end of the season in the Ice Hockey Bayernliga: Hans Tauber Jr., who came in autumn for Stefan Roth, who resigned for personal reasons, will continue to coach the Geretsried River Rats next season. At Easter, the ESC team manager then announced the signing of Canadian striker Tyler Wiseman (we reported).
And in the meantime, the 2nd chairman has also set the first cornerstones for the future squad: goalkeeper Johanna May, defenders Jakub Rezac, Paul Gania and Matthias Hölzl as well as Ondrej Horvath, Josef Reiter, Daniel Bursch and Luis Huber continue to wear the Geretsried jersey in attack. "But there are other important people from last year's squad with whom I'm talking," Holdschik stressed. Sometimes it's just a matter of little things when one or the other crack is still hesitant with a commitment: "The boys want to know what our team looks like in the coming season, who they would play with."
The focus is also on possible new entrants. "It's no secret that we need people with experience and quality, especially in attack," said the ESC vice-president, referring to last year's problems for the River Rats in converting chances. In addition to the former Bayernliga top scorer Tyler Wiseman, they will therefore "bring in two strikers". And those responsible have also put out feelers in the direction of a second goalkeeper next to national player Johanna May. Club boss Markus Janka, who was once a goalkeeper himself internationally as well as active in the DEL, 2nd Bundesliga and Oberliga, takes care of this. "We'd like to have two goalkeepers of equal strength, someone else who is just as good as Johanna," explains Holdschik.
Contingent position in the defence: The choice falls on Rezac
At the moment, only Marek Haloda has been confirmed as leaving. The defender came to Geretsried in 2020 from Czech third division club Draci Pars Sumperk. Even during the Corona forced break, the 30-year-old stayed here and got a full-time job in a supermarket, which he continues to do. With ten goals and 20 assists in 39 games, Haloda drew attention to his offensive qualities. However, those responsible were not entirely satisfied with the Czech's defensive work. However, because they only want to fill a contingent position in defence, the choice fell on his compatriot Jakub Rezac. "We're happy he's staying," said the team manager. Although the 28-year-old did not score a single goal in 39 games, he recorded twelve assists and completed his defensive tasks to everyone's satisfaction.
+Peter Holdschik, River Rats Team Manager
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Holdschik will probably also have to remove two or three candidates from the squad list who will hang up their skates – but the 2nd head of department hopes that the last word has not yet been spoken. However, Martin Morczinietz will definitely end his career. The 37-year-old has appeared in 30 appearances for the River Rats and has proven to be a strong back-up on more than one occasion. However, injuries forced the former DEL and second division goalie to take breaks again and again. "In terms of his head, he's still fully involved, but his body is causing problems," explains Holdschik. However, Morczinietz will remain involved in ice hockey and especially in the ESC, as he will soon complete a coaching course. "Whether it's as a goalkeeper, youth coach or assistant coach – we'll definitely plan for him," said the team manager.
Unclear situation in the Bayernliga: With or without Klostersee?
Less pleasing, however, is the unresolved situation in the Bayernliga. "I still don't have any information about what the league should look like in the future," says Holdschik. As reported, HC Landsberg had withdrawn from the Oberliga before the playdowns and is thus allowed to start in the highest Bavarian league. It is still unclear whether this also applies to EHC Klostersee, which only announced its withdrawal after the end of the season. "According to the regulations, the Grafingers have to start anew in the district league," emphasizes the ESC vice-president.
And he is also curious to see whether the association will take consistent action against EHC Königsbrunn: Because the Bayernliga champion has renounced promotion, he is threatened with a fine of 4000 euros and a ban for next year's championship round, according to the statutes. Holdschik: "It would be nice if all this was decided in a timely manner. So far, the club representatives have only decided that we want to start with a field of 16."