Raffainer at SCB – finally the right boss at the Federal Hockey Office

What do we learn from him? That lying is a venial sin when it serves the cause. Only those who master this art can successfully play a leadership role in sport. Almost exactly 24 hours later, Raëto Raffainer is now meeting SCB’s “Sports Director”. What literally translated actually means sports director.

Engadin, 39, is the perfect solution. Even better than Chris McSorley. Last week, the Canadian put on a great show. He was connected by videoconference from Geneva and was interviewed by the SCB board of directors. “Job interview” is the technical term for this procedure.

McSorley was too good for bosses

“Jesus Chris” was brilliant. He had the perfect answer to every question. In the end, the SCB generals agreed with the verdict: the man from Geneva knows more about our organization than we do. We oblige.

But the charismatic Chris was too bright. When everyone calmed down after the exciting video conference, the room was aired and the smoke had cleared, Gutbernian pragmatism took over. The idea: this man has too much water displacement. Chris McSorley and Marc Lüthi: That doesn’t work. Above all: McSorley is probably not controllable. It could become an “unguided missile”.

Raëto Raffainer does not take this risk. In his previous jobs as a sports director at the association and at HC Davos, he revealed a gift from God that is very rare among sports generals. He knows how to wrap ambition and ego in the cotton of diplomacy, come to terms with everyone, and yet achieve his goals. He is both a determined doer and an agile diplomat. And someone who does his job twenty-four hours a day. Machiavellist and Stakhanov, so to speak. And it is not a disadvantage that he has a bit of a “stable SCB smell” – he joined SCB from 2005 to 2008 and his wife successfully served in a senior position in SCB management.

Raffainer needs three years in Bern

Unlike his predecessor, Raëto Raffainer’s athletic competition is not up for debate. He has international contacts. He is communicative, intelligent and diplomatic. You can negotiate and think strategically. This is also a rare feature in this industry. You know how to develop a strategy, a sports philosophy, and hire the right coaches and players.

His masterpiece is the HCD’s sports revamp after the Arno Del Curto era. And now the same feat is expected of him in Bern. It takes three years for the SCB to get out of the situation of sports “seduction” and return to the first group.

For the sake of simplicity, you can bring your former assistant Johan Lundskog (36) from Davos for next season. He recently said of the Swede: “He is capable of leading a team as a head coach.” And he confirms: “Two weeks ago the SCB asked us if we would allow negotiations with our assistant. We agreed. “Well, now we know who will be the coach of SCB.

Schelling is promoted to queen

The appointment of Florence Schelling as sports director has proven to be the biggest mistake in Marc Lüthi’s career. She was not the only one who overestimated the professional competence of the first sporting director in our history, and she underestimated the challenge in Bern. His job was worth the risk. It will probably continue to be the greatest PR hit in SCB history of all time.

But the deciding factor is not failure, it is part of the sport and honors everyone who has the courage to take a chance. Correcting a mistake is crucial. And now Marc Lüthi has done it. And everyone can save face. Florence Schelling officially retains her post, according to the new “Über-Sport boss”. A diplomatic masterpiece. And Schelling can now acquire the competence for a managerial position in a hockey company under the guidance of an expert.

To put it a bit casually, for which I immediately apologize: we can compare Schelling’s new role a bit to that of the Queen of England. No longer bear the responsibility of decisions in daily political life, but very honest. And Raffainer will certainly be more diplomatic than British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. When dealing with everyone at SCB. And not only does he have the hierarchical position to confront and contradict Lüthi on equal terms in sports matters. He also has the wisdom, personality, courage and competence.

The SCB is in the money

Something more reassuring: SCB remains one of the richest clubs in the league. Yes, the SCB is in the money. We can safely ignore the monetary laments that Marc Lüthi recites like Buddhist monk chants. No other hockey company can afford to be so outgoing and supportive. The SCB now has a new athletic director, but continues to reward the failed predecessor and the failed predecessor plus three coaches.

Kari Jalonen still had a contract for this season, Don Nachbaur one for this and next season and current coach Mario Kogler is also on the payroll. The SCB as the Federal Ice Hockey Office. It is good that this solidarity personnel policy is still possible in the world of capitalist sports. Marc Lüthi also deserves praise for this.

What’s next in Davos?

When it comes to the Davos succession plan, the wise President Gaudenz Domenig has many options and the possibility of a historic reconciliation.

There is no shortage of candidates who know HCD and our hockey very well. Coach Marc Gianola cannot also lead the sports department. The bravest and most spectacular solution would be a duo Pascal Müller / Reto de Arx. So that Domenig could reconcile with Arx’s cult figure HCD.