HSG Hanau signs talent: Jan-Philipp Winkler on the road to success!

HSG Hanau signs talent: Jan-Philipp Winkler on the road to success!

HSG Hanau has strengthened itself for the coming season and signed Jan-Philipp Winkler. The 22-year-old backcourt player is moving from HLZ Friesenheim-Hochdorf II and has signed a contract until June 30, 2026. Winkler took part in the start of training on June 15th. HSG managing director Hannes Geist emphasized Winkler's high game intelligence and leadership qualities, who not only has a good overview of the ball, but is also strong in one-on-one situations and can be a goal threat. The HSG fans are already familiar with Winkler from previous duels in the South-West season.

Winkler met the new coaching team and his teammates for the first time on Sunday. HSG coach Axel Spandau was positive about Winkler's influence on the team and his ability to adapt. Reiner Kegelmann, the HSG's sporting director, also praised Winkler's handball training and his versatility in defense and attack. Winkler was previously active for the Eulen Ludwigshafen handball performance center and also played in the German Handball Federation's selection teams. He moved from the HLZ youth team to the third division team in 2021 and quickly developed into a top performer.

Injury-related absences and dramatic play

The team from Hanau had to contend with worrying bad luck with injuries this season. Captain Max Bergold, middleman Robin Marquardt, goalgetter Cedric Schiefer and Luca Braun were missing due to injury. In order to fill up the squad, HSG coach Hannes Geist nominated Sebastian Hein and Jost Warm from the A-youth for the game in question. Both A-youth players were able to collect their first third league minutes and demonstrated their potential.

HSG Hanau started the game strongly and quickly took a 2-0 lead. Paul Hüttmann was successful in the 2nd minute, followed by Julian Fulda, who made it 4-1 in the 6th minute. Hanau defended its lead until halftime and went into the break with a 12:8 lead. However, HLZ Friesenheim-Hochdorf equalized shortly after the restart and took a 20:16 lead.

Emotional final minutes

In the last few minutes, HSG Hanau successfully made up the deficit and equalized to 25:25 (57th minute) through David Rivic. Hectic moments followed when Fulda received a time penalty in the 58th minute. Despite the pressure, Hanau managed to secure the connection with 26:26 and 27:27. However, in a dramatic final minute, Friesenheim-Hochdorf scored the winning goal to make it 28:27. The hall was well occupied with 291 spectators, and referees Timo Bernhardt and Philipp Peiser led the exciting game.

In the future, HSG Hanau will rely on the new additions and the return of injured players in order to continue to assert themselves in the league and achieve successful games.