Machine-translated from Hungarian.
Our team is now embarking on its second season with Mátyás Odnoga at the helm. Last season brought some excellent results, so ahead of the October kick-off, we asked our head coach a few questions about the challenges that lie ahead:
The 24/25 season is about to get underway, but before that, let’s take a brief look back at the previous season, which was packed with excitement and great results. How would you rate last year’s performance?
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O.M. – I’d definitely start by saying that last year we successfully took a big step towards our goal!**
At the start of the season, it wasn’t entirely clear how last season would pan out, but I feel that after two or three months we found the perfect balance and everyone knew their role!
Winning the league title was a huge achievement for every player and member of the coaching staff, and I feel it was well deserved; I’m proud of everyone we achieved this with!
*Let’s now turn to the challenges ahead: once again this year, the team will be competing in several divisions (Andersen League, EUHL, Hungarian Cup, MEFOB). What are your goals and aspirations as you embark on this campaign?
O.M. – We’re continuing our work towards achieving the goal of a multi-year plan that we conceived with the help of Széchényi University; this season will also be important in that regard, and we’re kicking it off with the aim of hosting the Andersen Cup in Győr.**
We’ve had some excellent experiences in the EUHL, and, building on these, our clear aim this year is to reach the play-offs and get as close as possible to the final!
The Hungarian Cup is always a good test, and it gives us a good indication of where we stand compared to the Erste Liga teams; we hope they might even take notice of one or two of our talented junior players!
Our aim is to defend our title in the MEFOB championship too!
*The team showed great unity last year – will there be any significant changes to the squad this year? Who is leaving and who is joining? How will this affect the team’s unity?
O.M. – It’s true that one of our strengths is the team spirit amongst the players, and there have been hardly any changes this year; we’ve signed two new, experienced players: Bence Dézsi and István Szűcs. Both are joining us from abroad, but with several years’ experience in the Erste Liga. We have temporarily lost our goalkeeper, Ákos Mészáros, as he has chosen a degree course that is not currently available at the University of Győr. He will be continuing his career in Budapest; we wish him every success! I am delighted to say that more than 10 of our players are students at Széchenyi University; we are making excellent progress in developing the career model we envisaged two years ago. Team spirit is always one of the most important factors, and it is on this basis that we put the squad together – selecting players from whom young athletes can learn and whom they can look up to!**
*How would you describe the team’s strengths, whether from a technical or a personal perspective?
O.M. – Our team is characterised by fast, combination-based play, and thanks to our unity, we’ll be able to turn things around or spring a surprise from any situation; the lads love a challenge, and we’re ready to face any obstacle!**
*Finally, what message would you like to send to our supporters, who have created an unforgettable atmosphere at the ground on numerous occasions?
O.M. – First of all, I’d like to say thank you for your support; it was fantastic to see the hall packed to capacity on several occasions last year!**
I can promise you there won’t be any staged falls, and you won’t see any foreigners wearing Győr shirts!
In every match, 22 men will give their all on the ice and fight right until the very last minute!
Come on, UNI GYŐR ETO!**