Officially presented

These are the prominent new additions to the Graz 99ers

The first legionnaire is officially confirmed: Kevin Roy from Innsbruck

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Graz 99ers revealed the first secrets about their team for the coming season on Friday. President Herbert Jerich welcomes top-class players this summer.

The Graz 99ers are aiming high in the future. It was therefore fitting that the new president Herbert Jerich presented his future plans for the club on Friday morning above the rooftops of the city on the Schlossberg.

A complete new start
"It's time to turn Graz into a top team. We will all work hard to live our vision," said Jerich at his inaugural press conference. "This is not an update of the 99ers, it's a new version. We're kind of the 99ers 2.0."

We have the long-term vision of playing for the title.

99ers-Präsident Herbert Jerich

Jerich made no secret of his high ambitions: "I'm not a president who is satisfied with a tenth place, not even a second place. We have the long-term vision of competing for the title. Whether we will ever achieve that remains to be seen."

Dream player Haudum arrives
The new president was proud to present the first new signing, national player Lukas Haudum from the KAC. The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract. "For me, he's the best Austrian in the domestic league. He has exactly what we need at the 99ers," explained sporting director Philipp Pinter, who was able to announce the first legionnaire shortly afterwards.

Kevin Roy: The 30-year-old Canadian scored 25 goals and 33 assists for the Innsbruck Sharks.

(Bild: HCI)

Lukas Haudum: After five years with the KAC, the 26-year-old international comes to Graz as an important pillar of the future team.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Michael Schiechl: Most recently in action as captain, the 35-year-old from Judenburg will remain on board for the coming season.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

In addition to Sam Antonitsch (pictured), Clemens Krainz, Jacob Pfeffer and Nico Wieser also have a valid contract for 2024/25.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Kevin Roy, top scorer for the Innsbrucker Haie, will join the Graz 99ers for two years from the summer. "He is by far the best import in the league, he decided against offers from Germany and Switzerland. A character and outstanding player," enthused Pinter. As already reported by the "Krone" on Thursday, Michael Schiechl will remain loyal to the club - for a further two years. 

Straka also on the board
Jerich also took the opportunity to introduce the club's new board: Stephan Schwarzl, CFO at Jerich's transportation company, will take care of the club's finances. The well-known sports manager Herwig Straka is also a member of the board, will take care of marketing matters and will assist Jerich in an advisory capacity. Bernd Vollmann will remain general manager, while sports director Philipp Pinter will officially take up his position as sports director on May 1.

Herbert Jerich (r.) with Herwig Straka (r.) in Graz

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Next Innsbrucker ante portas
Meanwhile, the rumor mill continues to churn: there are reports from Tyrol that defender Nick Albano is set to follow his teammate Roy to Graz. The return of Manuel Ganahl from the KAC is also expected to be finalized soon.

A joke made by Pinter during the press conference is likely to become the bitter truth for the record champions from Carinthia: "I had to promise not to take any players away from Villach, but as many as possible from Klagenfurt." 

The scouts are also currently on the road in Germany, Switzerland and Slovakia to keep their eyes open for further reinforcements.

The Graz 99ers have never been able to reach a finals series in their 25-year existence. In the nineties, EC Graz were runners-up three times in a row (1991/92 to 1993/94). The last champions from Styria were ATSE Graz, who won the second of their two titles in 1977/78.