For their return to the National League after 29 years, HC Ajoie intends to reinforce their roster. Five to seven new players should be signed, including two imports and a goaltender. There have been developments, but nothing concrete yet, as head coach Gary Sheehan tells La Liberté. "Players have called us, knowing that there might be an opportunity. A few A-League clubs have also contacted us for pieces they no longer want."
They do not plan to invest too much into new players, as their budget - despite being raised from 3.5 million to 7.1 million - is still fairly small in comparison to other National League teams. "We will have to look for players who want to get back on track and who would accept a pay cut", Sheehan comments. HC Fribourg-Gottéron's defenseman David Aebischer, who is set to leave his club, would be an option.
To 24 heures, Sheehan states that he is optimistic about Ajoie's competitiveness. "We will address our weaknesses and reinforce them. I am confident that we will be able to put together a competitive team."
