Ale “Freeze” Knnek, the team’s head coach, and assistant coach Albert “H4xDefender” Ong, who joined the squad before the 2023 Spring Split began, have both been fired, EG revealed on Twitter today. This comes after EG informed the public last week that roster changes would be made, with reports claiming that nearly all of the current LCS players might be substituted.
Freeze joined EG after the team came just short of capturing a second consecutive title last year, resulting in four coaches being replaced prior to the start of this year’s Spring Split. He had previously served as an assistant coach for 100 Thieves, helping to bring the organization its first LCS title during his two years working alongside them, and before that was a professional ADC across European League circuits.
“Was really excited to fulfill my 2 year contract,” Freeze said in a response to the announcement. “Sometimes journey stops earlier than it is meant to be. Specific circumstances can always happen in orgs.”
H4xDefender’s career spans a similar timeline, though with a focus on the LCS. After almost seven years as a jungler, he stepped into assistant coaching for both Team Liquid and Team Liquid Academy at the end of 2020, working alongside Guilhoto and Kold. He has noted several times alongside the EG roster that while he was grateful for what he contributed to the team’s success, it was a “disappointing split” for him.
EG has not yet specified any of the other changes coming to its LCS roster and coaching staff, though more information is expected to be revealed as the Summer Split draws closer.