Train search at HC Innsbruck: Smotherman makes difficult farewell!

Train search at HC Innsbruck: Smotherman makes difficult farewell!

The HC Innsbruck is about to change at the top of the coaching bench. Jordan Smotherman, the previous head coach, will not continue his work. The club announced this on June 13, 2025. Smotherman asked for the dissolution of his contract for family reasons, a decision that, as he admits, was not easy for him. However, he was optimistic about the upcoming season and thanked the HCI staff, assistant coach Florian Pedevilla, the players, fans and partners for the support during his term. According to Laola1 understandable. General Manager Günther Hanschitz praised Smotherman's commitment and the solid squad planning.

The introduction of Smotherman as HC Innsbruck coach in 2023 was accompanied by high expectations. The former player, who previously worked as head coach and general manager at the Worcester Railers, brought comprehensive experience from various leagues. According to HC Innsbruck he was selected in 2005 by the Atlanta Thrasher in the NHL-Draft and had a total of four games in the NHL before he had most of his career in the AHL, in Europe and in various international leagues spent.

successor and new direction

With the departure of Smotherman, the HC Innsbruck is already in conversations with potential successors. The club management is determined to find an equally talented personality who continues the successful squad planning and can continue to motivate the players to perform at top performance. Smotherman himself stated that it is particularly important for him that his team works hard and plays creatively both offensive and defensively. This philosophy is estimated by the club management and is also to be continued under a new trainer.

The current situation in ice hockey shows that change of coaches are not uncommon. An example of this is the situation at the Passau Black Hawks. Thomas Vogl was recently released because the team is at risk due to fluctuating performance to reach the pre-playoffs season goal. Managing Director Kevin Dierks expressly thanked Vogl's commitment and at the same time found that a new impulse is necessary for the team. Interimated, Vladimir Gomow and Sergej Pishunov took responsibility for the coaching team to get the team back on course. The Black Hawks is currently taking a disappointing twelfth place in the Oberliga Süd Ice Hockey News .

The HC Innsbruck is facing an exciting and challenging phase. The hot conversations for a new trainer could set the course for the future of the association. Fans and players are looking forward to how the club will design the next season.