Alexander Bröms: "We need to be mentally ready"

Alexander, preparations for the home World Championship begin in Bruck/Leitha on Wednesday with two exhibition games against Hungary. What step needs to be taken this week before the team comes together next week for its final World Championship preparations and the tournament gets under way?
Alexander Bröms: "First of all, we need to make sure that we are on the right track. We work with our playbook throughout the year. It needs to be internalised. Our task is also to build the right mentality for the World Championship now, so that we can compete in this tournament. The team now has to grow together and perform, play and act as a unit. The results against Hungary are not the priority. Naturally, we want to deliver two good games and show a solid performance on the ice. Above all, we want to put in a good team performance. It is never about individual players; it is always about the team."

From today’s perspective, you have what is probably the best possible squad available for the World Championship. Does that make you confident?
Alexander Bröms: "Naturally, we are happy with the roster we now have for the World Championship. As already mentioned, our focus is on the team performance and not on the performances of individual players."

Can Austria earn promotion this year?
Alexander Bröms: "I think it is possible, especially when you look at the last World Championship and how close it was. Tough, close games await us. The key will be for us to be mentally ready. We must not concern ourselves with what may have happened yesterday or what could happen tomorrow. We need to focus on the moment. We will give everything to be as well prepared as possible."

Could the chances be better because the team is playing at home?
Alexander Bröms: "It is, of course, a very special situation. I hope that lots of fans come to cheer us on and create a real home atmosphere. That can give the team an extra push. We are counting on the sixth player in the form of the spectators. We are prepared in every other respect; now we hope Austrians show their best side and come to support us. The anticipation is certainly already huge."

Have you already studied the opponents in detail?
Alexander Bröms: "We have already played against most of the teams in recent years. We have sufficient video material available. Over the past few weeks, we have analysed the opponents and looked at what awaits us. I think we are well prepared."

Who do you see as the favourites?
Alexander Bröms: "That is very difficult to say. I expect many close contests. If you have a bad day against the wrong opponent, the tournament can be over for you very quickly. Conversely, if you have a good day against a supposedly better team and win, you may suddenly be right in the race for promotion. We want to impress upon the team that they should focus on nothing other than the moment. An intense period awaits us, and it will certainly be exciting to see how the respective nations perform."

Day and weekly tickets for the World Championship are now available through ÖEHV partner Ö-Ticket.

Ticket prices

Day tickets € 10.-
Week tickets € 20.-

International friendlies

Hungary vs. Austria
Fri, 12 April 2024, 17:00, Budapest (HUN)

Hungary vs. Austria
Sat, 13 April 2024, 15:00, Budapest (HUN)

2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Women´s World Championship 2024

From 21 to 27 April 2024, Klagenfurt will host the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Women´s World Championship 2024. Austria will face Hungary, France, Norway, the Netherlands and South Korea for promotion to the Top Division. After 2009 and 2017, it is the third Women’s World Championship on Austrian ice.

Schedule

Norway vs. Austria
Sun, 21 April 2024, 18:30, Klagenfurt, live on ORF SPORT +

Austria vs. South Korea
Mon, 22 April 2024, 19:30, Klagenfurt, live on ORF SPORT +

France vs. Austria
Wed, 24 April 2024, 19:30, Klagenfurt, live on ORF SPORT +

Austria vs. Hungary
Fri, 26 April 2024, 20:25, Klagenfurt, live on ORF SPORT +

Austria vs. the Netherlands
Sat, 27 April 2024, 20:25, Klagenfurt, live on ORF SPORT +

You can find the full schedule HERE!