"Boss, but not dictator": Mike Stewart's plans for the Capitals

Mike Stewart, the new head coach of the Vienna Capitals, has begun his tenure with a clear vision rooted in simplicity and teamwork. Speaking after his team's first public training session in Kagran on Monday evening, Stewart remarked, “The hockey world is damn small.” His words proved true as nearly all players on the ice were familiar faces, many having played together in previous teams or leagues. This familiarity was evident even among the six newcomers who joined the squad, highlighting how interconnected the sport’s global network can be. Stewart returns to Germany after 13 years coaching in the country, this time in a league where he once played for the VSV. The reception he received as the Capitals' new coach was unexpectedly warm. Over 1,300 fans attended the session despite temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, drawn not just by the heat but by their unwavering support for the team. Many stayed on the ice after the one-hour practice to get autographs and photos, showing the deep connection between the club and its supporters. Stewart, who had long viewed Vienna as a cultural hub, now sees it as an “ice hockey city.” The recent results have done little to explain the fan turnout. For three consecutive seasons, the Capitals have fallen short of reaching the quarterfinals. Yet captain Linden Vey sees the continued backing of the fans as both a responsibility and motivation. He feels the team owes its supporters a great season, stating they are “owed a fantastic campaign.” Linden Vey himself is a prime example of the tight-knit nature of the hockey world. Having played alongside Jakob Lilja in Astana and Fribourg, Vey helped ease Lilja’s decision to join the Capitals. Lilja, a 32-year-old Swedish forward with experience in the NHL, KHL, and top leagues in Sweden and Switzerland, brings a wealth of knowledge. He expects high expectations but views them not as pressure but as recognition of potential success. Where expectations exist, he says, so too does the drive to achieve greatness. Lilja admitted during his first week in Austria that hockey still felt somewhat foreign. He described the need for his body and equipment to adjust, expecting improvement after one or two exhibition games. Meanwhile, Nick Bailen, the 37-year-old defenseman joining from the Graz 99ers, has already set his sights on winning. He believes a target of 35 to 40 victories would provide a solid foundation for the playoffs. Bailen, who scored the decisive goal in Graz’s 4–0 win over Vienna earlier this month, is eager to contribute to rebuilding the Capitals. Stewart now faces the challenge of uniting these experienced players into a cohesive unit. His approach is straightforward, hard work, physicality, passion, and unity. While he acknowledges the faster pace of modern hockey, he insists his core values remain unchanged. In the dressing room, he encourages player autonomy while maintaining an open door for communication. “I’m the boss, but not a dictator,” he emphasized. The Capitals’ first test comes on August 21 against Slovan Bratislava in Budweis. Stewart will measure progress not solely by the score but by whether the team gave everything until the final whistle. He admits he doesn’t expect immediate transformation but is confident the right mix will emerge. For now, the focus remains on building trust and camaraderie.