Controversy is swirling within the Austrian Ice Hockey Association after members of Austria's senior national women's team, who will play in the top division of the IIHF World Championships for the first time ever, levelled a plethora of allegations against their federation. Many of Austria's best players will remain out of the lineup due to the conflict as well.
Those veteran members of Austria's national team are speaking out this week after the treatment players say staff and member's of the national team are receiving, which are unacceptable in their eyes.
“I am extremely disappointed by the way those in charge are treating our staff and our players, and I refuse to identify with these values,” said Austria's captain Meixner, who spent the past two seasons in the PWHL with the Ottawa Charge and Vancouver Goldeneyes in a translated statement. “If nothing else works and this is the only way to bring those in charge to their senses, I am prepared to forgo the World Championship. So that the next generation has a better start.”
Among the issues at hand are the poor conditions facing the team. Veteran Antonia Matzka, who captained Holy Cross in the NCAA and played in the PHF with the Buffalo Beauts, has been another to speak out discussing some of the issues.
"At times, we’ve had to sleep in bunk beds in our accommodations; in January, we had to change in a cabin without heat; and for team gear, we get the leftover stock from the men’s team, which of course doesn’t fit us well," said Matzka in a translated quote. And despite personal commitments like work, college, or school, we’re often notified of call-ups at very short notice.”
Players disapproved of the firing of three key team staff members. The team is also not paid a per diem, often used for food and other daily expenses, while at tournaments or training camps.
“But this is by no means just about money—it’s about equal treatment,” said Matzka. “It’s no longer about performance, but only about hurting us. The association makes us feel like we’re doing something completely unacceptable. Yet we’re simply fighting for equality.”
In part due to the conflict, Meixner, Matzka, PWHL player Theresa Schafzahl, and veterans Magdelina Luggin, Selma Luggin, Annika Fazokas, and Charlotte Wittich will not travel to a Four Nations event in Slovakia this month. Many opted out of a training session in May as well. But until the issue is resolved, Austria's top players will not compete, which with the nation's first ever appearance at the top division in the IIHF World Championship only months away, is unfortunate timing for all.
"Enough is enough," Meixner said. "Under this leadership and these conditions, we will no longer play for Austria."
Austria's ice hockey players' union, Younion, has also spoken out against the issues and conditions.
According to the reports regarding the union and players' actions, Austria's women's national team submitted nine recommendations to improve conditions for players in March with none being confirmed as changes the Austrian Ice Hockey Association will make. The union questioned why the association has ignored the team and the needs of the athletes.
The union also called for an investigation by Austria's Ministry of Sport into the situation between Austria's women's national team and the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation.
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