Gina Kingsbury: "There is passion, there is pride"

ÖEHV: Gina, a warm welcome once again from us at the Austrian Ice Hockey Association. How have the past few weeks been for you?

Gina Kingsbury: Quite intense. A great deal had to be organised in a short space of time. Before I agreed to take on the role, I spoke to many of the players and asked them what they needed in the coming weeks – and whether I could provide it. With two camps and a World Championship, time is very tight. But it has been great to get to know the people at the association and the staff. We have made very good use of the time so far.

What was the deciding factor in your decision to accept?

The conversations with the players. I realised that they had qualified for the top division for the first time – after many years of hard work. If I can help, even just a little, to prepare them for this big moment, then I want to do that.

You are remaining General Manager of the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL. How do you manage both roles?

I am not leaving the Sceptres; that remains my main job. Similar to my most recent role with Hockey Canada, I am doing this alongside it. Because the World Championship takes place in November, it barely conflicts with the league. Several GMs from the PWHL work with national teams at the same time. It is great that there is such close cooperation in international ice hockey.

What connections have you had with Austrian women's ice hockey so far?

I know Martin Kogler very well. I have been on the IIHF Women's Committee for around eight years and work closely with him there. Through him, I have learned a great deal about the programme. I also know some of the players, including Theresa Schafzahl from the PWHL, and others from a high-performance camp. However, I had not previously had a closer connection with Austria.

The training camp in Klagenfurt ended today. What are your impressions?

For the players, it was almost like a reunion – the core of the group was last together in February. You could feel their joy at finally being reunited, as well as their hunger to get going. We trained on the ice twice a day. At the same time, we are monitoring players who were not at the camp – Melody Davidson is currently scouting them online. This is how we want to put together the strongest possible team for Denmark.

When will the World Championship squad be confirmed?

Sooner rather than later. The team should have as much time as possible to work towards this goal together. We will inform all players personally – including those who do not make the team, and why. This type of communication is part of a programme striving for professionalism.

What happens next?

Following several online meetings, our training camp in Villach will take place in late October and early November. The squad will be confirmed there, and we can work on our team identity. We travel to Denmark on 4 November, and begin against Czechia on 6 November. Germany follows, then a rest day, as well as the USA and Switzerland. They are major opponents. But we currently have real underdog energy: there is passion, there is pride.

With all your experience, what level can the players expect in the top division?

The game gets faster and stronger every year – even during my time with Hockey Canada, I was surprised at every World Championship. The opponents are fast, tall, strong and physical, and the referees are allowing more and more play to continue. That must not come as a shock. At the same time, the players should know that they can compete.

What gives you confidence?

I am impressed by the size and strength of our group. We have a good mix of experienced players, a solid middle generation and young players who are pushing hard. We have good goaltenders too. I believe we can compete at this World Championship. I hope our players believe it too. I certainly do.

Let us turn to your ice hockey philosophy: what makes a good team for you?

Especially in short tournaments, cohesion and the ability to execute the game plan are decisive. Teams that stand up for one another are difficult to beat. It is less about ability or style of play than mentality. This group has that: a bit of defiance and the ability to battle together. If they translate that into performance, they will be dangerous.

And on the ice?

Everyone knows her role and embraces it. The top players lead the team, while the third and fourth lines take pride in shutting down the opposition's strongest lines. And we celebrate the little things: blocked shots, good changes, sound positional play.

When will the World Championship be a success for Austria?

When this group comes together, enjoys the moment, gives everything and creates an environment that everyone wants to be part of. The players should play freely and without a burden on their shoulders, trust the game plan and be proud to represent their country. If we achieve that, the result will take care of itself. The great thing is that it is in our hands.