Right in his fourth season with the LHC, Makai Holdener seems to have found his place in the organization led by Geoff Ward and his staff. A shadow worker, he brings his speed and motivation to the Lausanne fourth row and during boxplay. A less visible role, but very important for the balance of a team that he will explain to us. Encounter.
The fourth line
Often less flamboyant than the others, the fourth line has a somewhat special role which is at the heart of the strategies developed by the coaches of each team. A balanced fourth line that knows its place in the organization is often a key asset in a season.
“The team is doing well, and it’s really nice to see. With the arrival of many new players this season, there was some uncertainty about our ability to create cohesion quickly. It’s nice to see that this adaptation happened relatively quickly.
In the fourth row, I play again with players who have just arrived, but things are going well. My goal is to bring as much experience as possible and support newbies so they can find their bearings. For our line, the emphasis is really on energy: we try to be very present at the forecheck level and maintain a solid defensive game, the objective being to help the team as much as possible each time we we’re on the ice. »
His role in boxplay*
*Outnumbered situation
The fourth LHC player most used in boxplay this season, our number 4 is a team member for managing these special situations. Very solid in front of their goalkeepers, the Lions currently have the third most effective boxplay in the National League.
“Boxplay works really well, it’s a role in which I’ve had the pleasure of evolving over the last two seasons. Last year, we had the best boxplay in the league, naturally the goal this year will be to try to regain that efficiency. There are no secrets, everything comes through work and communication. We work in pairs on the ice between attackers and defenders. Everyone knows exactly what to do and how to position themselves to play their role, it’s a real strategic war against adversaries who are looking for the space between us.
We know that victories are achieved through special situations. It’s easier to remember the powerplay, but in the end it’s a sweet mix between the two that allows us to win matches. »
A fourth season in Lausanne
With already 167 matches played in the colors of the LHC, Makai Holdener has matured since his return to Lausanne. Having passed through the Lausanne junior movement for two seasons between 2010 and 2012, he followed the evolution of the team in its successes as well as its slightly darker moments.
“At a team level there are a lot of things that have changed over these four years, but now I have to say that since Geoff arrived the focus has been on creating a real identity at the within the locker room. This is perhaps the biggest change I have experienced here. The transformation is very positive, everyone is pushing in the same direction. We have created a supportive group, and we take great pleasure in spending time together. The players who join us become part of the group dynamic almost immediately. It’s a bit cliché, but it’s like a second family.
Personally, I had to find my place in this locker room. Every year I tried to bring something more to the team. I know I have a lot of energy so I might as well share it with the whole locker room. I work hard every day and my efforts pay off. I play more and more, I have the confidence of the coaches who understand my way of playing. My energy is not only used in the locker room, I also use it on the ice by having a certain impact on the ice in a defensive role, but not only that.
Great involvement in LHC solidarity actions
Always motivated and available to take part in solidarity actions organized by the LHC, Makai always takes the time to greet or chat with the young fans who request him.
“The support from LHC fans is exceptional and of course the exchanges with the children always have a special flavor. When it is within the framework of the actions of the LHC Foundation, it is something else again. These are very unique moments. We try in our own way to give them a good time and over time, we build relationships with them. During our visits to the CHUV, I have the pleasure of meeting Mathias. He’s a real fighter who doesn’t give up and it’s always an emotional time when we visit him.”
