Swiss Hockey: Punleuk, you took over the management of Swiss Hockey in August last year. What actually motivated you to do this?

Punleuk: I was shocked when we were informed at the last AGM that the President, Vice President and General Secretary would all be stepping down and only weeks later I was informed that the Managing Director would also be stepping down. Frank (editor’s note: former president) told me at the time exactly what this meant – “well, in case of doubt, it means that we no longer need the association, there is no longer a national team …”. That was the real wake-up call for me: one of the oldest Olympic disciplines and Switzerland is without a national team? That is not possible, it cannot and must not be. Especially in view of the fact that many of the HCH kids and juniors admire the national team and some of them dream of being part of the national team themselves … My main motivation for getting involved was to preserve the association and thus the national team and to continue to make the dream of the kids/juniors possible.

Swiss Hockey: And today, 6 months later – what do you think? Was it a good decision?

Punleuk: Yes, I am very happy that I can and am allowed to help here. Swiss Hockey has many complex and multi-layered challenges, some of which are interrelated – a vicious circle really. However, Swiss Hockey also has many assets that we can build on and shape the future of the association. Breaking the vicious circle and further developing these assets is an absolutely exciting task for any entrepreneur. And yes, with my non-hockey background I still have a lot to learn and understand.

Swiss Hockey: Vicious circle … that doesn’t sound so great. Where do you see the biggest challenges in this vicious circle?

Punleuk: Together with the Swiss Hockey Team and the new Executive Board, we were able to assess the association’s current position. Essentially, we see three areas that we need to tackle as an association: we need more resources, we need to become more popular and we should cultivate and expand the culture of respectful cooperation. The complex thing is that all areas are interdependent / influence each other. At the presidents’ meeting in November last year, we were able to create a common understanding here and, based on this, we defined our “strategic framework”, which the Executive Board will present at the upcoming General Assembly.

Swiss Hockey: Yes, we are all looking forward to that. Looking back: what has happened in the last 6 months?

Punleuk: Securing the foundations for the future was the focus of the first 6 months. Essentially, we have been able to tackle the following pillars together:

• a broader-based team with Michael as the dedicated Championship Director and Fabio as the referee in charge to ensure and further develop match operations
• a new & expanded board that is highly motivated and brings experience from a wide range of areas
• the creation of a common understanding among all players (board, club presidents and the office) about the “how forward” that has been worked out in the strategic framework
• to rekindle enthusiasm and pride in the Swiss Hockey family, especially with the success of the U21 and the women’s team

With these initial and important foundations, I am certain that we are well positioned to successfully tackle the next critical steps.

Swiss Hockey: That sounds like a plan. Your pitch for the management team had the motto “Together. Not alone”. What exactly do you mean by that?

Punleuk: Well, breaking this vicious circle that Swiss Hockey is in is truly a mammoth task and won’t be solved overnight. It requires an effort from all of us – the board, the office, clubs, members, players, volunteers … only if we pull together in the same direction can we make a difference. It reflects the motto of Swiss Hockey: Omnes pro unum. Unum pro omnes.

Swiss Hockey: We hear and see “One Team. One Dream.” as a slogan in one or the other communication / post. What is your dream?

Punleuk: My dream is the dream of most top athletes: to be at the Olympic Games once in my life. Helping Swiss Hockey to make this come true one day is my greatest motivation.

Swiss Hockey: We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you that one day it will come true. Thank you for the interview Punleuk and good luck