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Brett Ommen
Notes From Across the Pond
12/17/02 - Greetings from ridiculously disgruntled Antwerp, where the IceBats are growing colder by the second, the coaches are getting nervous, and the fans aren’t coming out at all. After acquiring Bartecko for Hemsky, GM Ommen thought the IceBats had made a gesture to the Antwerp fans: now is the time and the playoffs are the goal, and yet attendance is down significantly. After a dismal 2-6-0 stretch, Antwerp seems nervous as it plummets in the polls. In brighter Euro news, the Piranhas continue to dominate the division and press the conference leading Battalion by leading the league in scoring. The Kings leap over the IceBats into number two by going 6-2-2 in their last ten. The IceBats and the Vikings lurk outside the playoff picture and haven’t been able to help themselves much having split two recent face-to-face matches. Surprisingly, the Galaxy continue to struggle after their heady appearance on the DWSHL top ten and a coaching change while the Blaze and Nighthawks struggle with management difficulties.
The inter-conference rivalry reveals a sense of parity as 24 points gets you into the Beam brackets and a 25 will earn you postseason passes in Daniel’s
division. Never a fan of Bourbons, GM Ommen wonders why there aren’t any division or conference names with Canadian Whiskey (that’s with an “e” if it’s from the Northlands, without if it’s American) or Scotches or Irish Whisky. This Digest writer wonders if we’re truly drunk enough to be playing hockey?
So we suggest that the Big Canada be renamed the Canadian Club or perhaps the Seagram’s 7, the Pacific Division switch to…well, when the West Coast makes a good booze you let us know (Anchor Steam is the only microbrew I can even think of). The East division could call them selves the Cuervo division with the exotic flair some teams have or perhaps the Sam Adams division. As for we Euros, we have the run of the mill (ha!): We could be Absolut or Bushmills or Stoli or something so crazy that the prudish folk of Antwerp have yet to even hear about it. This is of course a silly endeavor, but the ladies aren’t coming to earn a kiss from Pavel so I’ve got some time on my hands. Think about it won’t you—thank you.
From Across the Pond, I’m Brett Ommen: GM of the IceBats, never seen the salt flats.
Player Interview: Mathieu Schneider by Marcel Grzyb
” I want to have a big role, have a lot of ice time and be a leader on this team. 
Defender veteran Mathieu Schneider is one of the core players in Hanover’s system.
Mat, 3 wins in a row – what was it like, after the team crisis and the horrible weeks?
First of all its a huge relief and winning these games was extremely important. I wouldn’t say that there has ever been a crisis inside the team – we haven’t had any fights or something like that but you feel the high pressure on you and that wasn’t that easy for the younger guys in or team.
We're not out of it by any means, and we're starting to play.
How did you feel when the Crunch traded you to Hanover; was it a shock or did you feel enthusiastic about it?
The Galaxy have already shown interest before the deal was signed, so it hasn’t been a real surprise. On one hand it was a bit sad because i had many friends in Fermont, on the other hand Hanover was a great challenge, I always wanted to play in the Euros after the very short stopover in Helsinki and I got the chance to be part of a great team.
Do you miss your home or native country sometimes?
There is no place for homesickness in professional hockey, half of the season we’re on roadtrips. I’ve played for different teams all over the American continent and it doesn’t really matter whether you play in Fermont or in Hanover for example.
My family and the whole Galaxy organization including the players make it really easy for me here.
What is so exciting about Hanover, the German culture and the people here?
Well, I would say there aren’t that many differences but of course there is much more history and every place has an own story to tell. I haven’t had the time to visit all attractions, but I like the mixture of city and nature. Sometimes we go watching soccer – that’s an exciting experience I’ve never made in America. The people received me very well, and as a jew I’ve also never made any antisemitic experiences. The fans are absolutely crazy and faithful, all that makes it really special and I’m happy and proud to be here.
Playing against Crunch and Nighthawks, what is it like?
Any time you go up against one of your old teams, it's special.
You haven’t been selected for Team USA during the DWSHL WC 2002 in contrast to Galaxy right winger Brian Holzinger. Have you been disappointed?
I wouldn't be human if I said I wasn't disappointed and felt that I'd be a great addition to the team. But it's something that's totally out of my hands. I can only worry about what I can control.
Brian deserved that nomination and I’ll give my best in order to take part in 2003.
At the beginning of this season, the Galaxy declared you as Alternate Captain. What does that mean for you?
That is the position I want to be in. I want to have a big role, have a lot of ice time and be a leader on this team. We have a great mixture of young and experienced players and I like the idea of supporting young talents like it is shown in our system. Vince is a great person and an excellent leader with a lot of maturity and I also appreciate my “A”-wearing colleagues Shanny and Ulf.
I like being a key player in a big team.
What do you think about the actual Galaxy defense? Who do you prefer as line mate?
Well,I think we have a great offensive skilled defense and we still have some kind of typical tough defender guys like Sheldon or Stephane; I like playing in a pair with Stephane – he is a fighter who really helps our team and we complete each other very well.
The Galaxy had their worst start in their franchise history – the playoff ranks are seven points away. Where will they finish?
We’ll definitely make the playoffs. Compared to last seasons team we became stronger, especially Jose and Patrick are great reinforcements. I think we haven’t had the easiest opponents and now we get more and more on a roll.
This team has so much potential, we are the third youngest team behind Fury and Army Ants. Everything is possible.
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