Marc Gianola was delighted with the Swiss team's great showing at the Ice Hockey World Championships

However, Gianola has changed the tools he works with. Instead of fighting for points on the ice with his team, he is now getting acquainted with various computer programs. Since May 1, the former top ice hockey player, who trained as a marketing planner and technical buyer in parallel with his career, is responsible for marketing at HC Davos.

Marc Gianola. You played your final game as an HC Davos player at the Spengler Cup. Now you're back at HC Davos. What does it feel like to return?

For me it's a new beginning. I'm now working for sports, although no longer pursue sports. Thanks to my training and the education I got when I was a sportsman I know what it's all about, but I still have to come to grips with it all first. At any rate it's great that I remain affiliated with sports.

What will your involvement be with the Spengler Cup?

I am Fredi Pargätzi's assistant on the organizing committee.

So you also went to see the Ice Hockey World Championships?

Yes, absolutely.

And you must have followed the Swiss team with a lot of pride?

Yes, it was sensational the way the Swiss team played, particularly in the preliminary and intermediate round. I was hoping for a medal. In the end, though, it didn't quite work out.

Are the ice hockey players already thinking about ice hockey and the Spengler Cup in late May?

At the moment they are busy with summer training, which isn't exactly the discipline they love. Their first training session on the ice is still some time away, as are thoughts of the championship and the Spengler Cup.

The Spengler Cup Davos 2010 will go down in history thanks to the new format. What opportunities do you think this change has to offer?

The new format and the fact that there'll now be less pressure is a huge opportunity to attract even more high-end teams to Davos. It's important that two Swiss teams will now be playing, which makes the Spengler Cup interesting all over Switzerland. For ice hockey fans, the Spengler Cup is thus entering a new dimension.