Toulouse-Blagnac HC: the first day will be the longest
Here we go again for the vice-champions of France of the last edition. Direction Colmar today for an endless journey that will open the 2022-2023 D2 season.
A victory in the Coupe de France against Clermont (5-6) and the upcoming arrival of Connor Vermeulen to strengthen the defense. Between the success in Auvergne and the signing of the Canadian colossus (1m93, 98 kg), the good news is finally linked to Toulouse-Blagnac HC. Finally being the right adverb because the off-season has not been easy for the Blagnaco-Toulousains, balanced between unexpected departures of important players and logistical problems.
“Some players, because of the good past season, received offers that they could not refuse in the off-season and concerning the recovery program, friendly matches could not be held”, explains Eddy Martin Belugas player-coach. Dispossessed of its two goalkeepers (Lavallière and Frédéric) and executives such as Coulombe, Gauthier and Kevlis, the leaders and staff of the TBHC however reacted well. “We have adapted well with the arrival of seven players including two goalkeepers (Bolduc and Fortes Da Cruz, editor’s note) and it’s not over, we are still planning a big reinforcement in attack”, launches the Quebec striker-coach.
Express adjustment
The new arrivals who immediately adapted and imprinted the local mentality. “The guys were very serious during the preparation despite the fact that we didn’t have too much ice time. Against Clermont, the third period clearly showed the state of mind that has driven this group for 5 years”, greets the Canadian technician. The latter wanting to talk here about the “grinta” he instills in his teams, once again wreaking havoc in the last period as in the Coupe de France against the Auvergnats. “The passes were not perfect and technically it was complicated but our perseverance made the difference”, he assures impatient to start the championship today in Alsace. Direction Colmar for the longest trip of the year. 870 km to swallow from the outset, a journey and a match that the Belougas will carry out, carried by the energy of the beginnings as well as the desire to continue to send good news.