Christian Wohlwend to Olten – here's why Ajoie isn't relegated now

Chairman Mark Thoman could easily have withdrawn his request for promotion: firstly, his Ortena team did not have the sporting conditions to return to the top flight, and certainly not the financial conditions. On the sporting front, even with Christian Wollwender at the helm, they may not be around for a while. Secondly, Olten got back the 20,000 francs he had to deposit when submitting his application for the promotion.

EHC Olten voluntarily gave up promotion.Photo credit: IMAGO/Sergio Brunetti

Ortner has re-signed Christian Wohlwend through next spring and two more seasons through 2027. This means they are committed to the Swiss League. All talk of emulating Langenthal's archrivals in voluntarily quitting amateur hockey (MyHockey League) is now off the table.

Mark Thoman says a coaching change is necessary. Now it is about stabilizing the situation and restoring the mood. “The development of the long-term strategy also depends on how the Swiss League positions itself.” Marc Thommen believes that the signing of “Mr. Swiss League” is a first step in the right direction. The association (to which the Swiss league belongs) is currently looking for a chief of staff to be responsible for the second highest league. Just like Denis Vaucher did in the National League. Those interested can contact the association. It is best to contact the association president Stefan Schärer immediately.

Olten's able chairman managed the reorganization well and hired one of the most interesting figures in our hockey world, Thomas Roost, as athletic director. As a long-time employee of the European NHL scouting office, Thomas Rust has good connections in more than just the hockey world. As a former human resources manager for a multinational company, he also has extensive experience in personnel management and recruitment. Players are always needed, but then the people come. Categorizing personalities is as important as identifying talents.

• 7

  A leader who can decide games and make his team better on and off the ice.

• 6-7

  A talented player who can decide a game on a good night and is a leader.

• 5-6

  A good NL player: usually a rainbow butterfly of talent, sometimes a serious worker who brings out a lot of talent.

• 4-5

  Players on the third or fourth block, veterans or newcomers.

• 3-4

  The future is still ahead of you, or the future is already behind you.

• The rating is based on the North American Hockey Grading Scale, ranging from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). There are no levels below level 3, because those who play in the top leagues are at least barely adequate.

But the hockey gods always have surprises for the people of Olten. Christian Wohlwend has signed until and including next season (until 2027). But there is an interesting contract clause. “That's true,” Mark Thoman said. “There are certain framework conditions.” However, he did not disclose how these framework conditions were stipulated in the contract. They have revealed here: Christian Wollwind can exit his contract with Olten at the end of the season if he receives an offer from the National League. It would be a travesty in hockey history if the coach instead of Olten suddenly returned to the top league.

Therefore Olten involuntarily withdrew his promotion request, Basel did not submit a promotion request, Scheier's request was not approved, and Rashad Fonds had to play all home games in Neuchâtel during the league qualifying rounds and in Promotion next season in this case. Which means: the only real candidates left for promotion are Visp and gangster Heinz Ehlers.

The chances of returning to the top flight are now better than at any time in the 52 years since relegation. Will Visp now invest accordingly? Managing Director Sébastien Pico did not reveal any joy at the promotion: “Our motto is humility.” Well, he can speak modestly, but internally the promotion is all in Li action. He didn't want to know all this either. He didn't even want to confirm that Visp would hire two more foreigners in time.

The league qualifiers are played by four foreigners. Sebastian Pico's confidence stems from his foresight: “As long as there are 14 teams in the National League, there will always be a chance of promotion.” Where he was right, he was right. What he didn't reveal: The board wanted to reduce next season's budget by at least $500,000 – in line with Operation Humility. But there has never been an economically inconspicuous nouveau riche in modern times.

Olten gave up, Basel didn't want to, Scheer was not allowed, Visp had no enthusiasm for progress, and La Chaux-de-Fonds had no home. In this case, Ajoy's new coach Greg Ireland can guide the team to stay in the league over the phone. There will be no promotion or relegation next spring, and if that happens, league qualification will be little more than a sideshow.