It certainly has been noticeable that our younger players see even less time in the NLA this season than before we got hit by this wave of KHL refugees (and Texier). Fahrni is the best example of this, as he was more or less a core player for Bern last season and is now relegated to the fourth line. Even Klaus Zaugg has now realized this and has written an
article about it just now. Whats noticeable in this piece as well is that Klaus argues that in Bern the imports are basically running the show, and deciding who is playing and how long. I am not sure if thats actually true but lately similar stories have emerged repeatedly. Most notably Nathan Gerbe claimed in an interview that he and his import buddies were running Servette Geneva after McSorely left. This makes the NLA really look like a beer league and its honestly pathetic how some of the teams seem to operate. Some clubs have several GM's where its not clear who is responsible for what while others have one guy for coaching and strategy. Bern even hired Schelling apparently just for the fact that she is a woman. I mean no offence to her, but there is just no justification for this hire if you look at her previous experience. The league seriously needs to professionalize its approach on how the teams are managed and coached. A good way to start would be to invest some money in coaching formation. And if thats to much to ask then lets hope the teams will finally stop giving out jobs to every leftover coach or ex player from Canada. I mean I could understand it if it were Joe Thornton but apparently a PPG season in the league is already enough for a GM or a coaching gig.