Black Wings Linz: President Nader explains the path to ice hockey success!

Black Wings Linz: President Nader explains the path to ice hockey success!

After a long dry spell, the Black Wings Linz have reached the semi-finals of the win2day ICE Hockey League for the first time since 2018. However, in the current best-of-seven series against the KAC, the Black Wings are behind 1:2. President Peter Nader is still overall satisfied with how the season has gone so far. His goal before the season was to make the playoffs; He sees all further successes as a bonus.

“We took over in turbulent times,” said Nader, who has led the club since May 2021. Under his leadership, the club has stabilized and achieved success through sustainable and honest work. Particularly noteworthy is the playoff series against Graz, which included six overtime decisions and is therefore a world record. Spectator interest is high, the hall offers space for 4,865 visitors.

Strategy and challenges

Nader emphasizes the importance of a stable team and the family atmosphere in the club. Sponsors are a decisive factor for sporting and financial success. The Black Wings have won back big supporters like Linz AG and Liwest. In an economically challenging year for many ice hockey clubs, especially in Germany, financial support from sponsors is of great importance. A lack of spectators is leading to a decline in revenue in many arenas, increasing dependence on sponsors. However, the Black Wings seem to be well positioned here.

An important part of Nader's long-term planning is the "Strategy 2030", which aims to integrate more homegrown players into the team. An example of the success of this strategy is Patrick Söllinger. Despite the challenges in integrating Austrian players, which are often limited by high market prices, Nader wants to retain players in the long term and promote the bond between fans and players. In order to optimize costs, the second team, the Steel Wings Linz, was hired.

Market analysis and marketing

Nader sees the need not to expand the hall excessively in order to maintain the atmosphere at the games. Another key point in his agenda is improving the marketing of the league. He believes that better cooperation between all clubs is necessary to increase the attractiveness of ice hockey and secure the financial basis.

In the context of the financial challenges that many clubs face, sponsors are crucial to their survival. Some large clubs in Germany, such as the Kölner Haie and Krefelder Pinguine, are struggling with financial difficulties, with the latter even having to raise several hundred thousand euros at short notice. This situation shows that gaming industry providers, especially Cashpoint, are showing increasing interest in ice hockey sponsorship and local companies can continue to play a vitally important role. Given these circumstances, Nader must constantly work to put the club on a solid economic foundation.

The Black Wings Linz are relying on a well-thought-out strategy to redefine their place in ice hockey and find their way back to their old strength. The involvement of sponsors and the targeted promotion of your own talents will be crucial for the success of the next few years. At a time when many clubs are facing enormous challenges, it is important to make the most of the opportunities.

For more information, see the reports Laola1 and Icehockey.net be read.