Mike Halmo can no longer play ice hockey due to persistent back problems. © Vanna Antonello

Retirement! Mike Halmo becomes coach

He was not only one of the stars of HC Bozen over the past few years, but also a fan favorite: Mike Halmo. Now he's hanging up his skates, but he's far from tired of ice hockey and South Tyrol.

30 May 2025

From: pm/fop

Mike Halmo announced his retirement this Friday at the age of 34. Persistent back problems forced him to take this step. He will move behind the bench next season and become assistant coach of the Rittner Buam in the Alps Hockey League. He will also be head coach of the junior team in Klobenstein.

Mike Halmo has long been a well-known figure in South Tyrol. Born on May 15, 1991, the ice hockey star from Waterloo (Ontario/Canada) has achieved tremendous success with HCB over the past few years, making approximately half (334) of his 676 professional appearances for the Foxes. With his class on the ice, his physical play, and his leadership qualities, he immortalized himself among fans. Halmo played six years in Bolzano, interrupted by a two-year stint in Finland (Ilves) and Germany (Iserlohn).

In Bolzano, Mike Halmo (right) was an absolute leader for years. © GEPA pictures / GEPA pictures/ Mathias Mandl

Previously, Halmo played in Canada, with the OHL club Owen Sound Attack (with whom he also won the championship in 2010/11) and then in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In the 2013/14 season, he made his career breakthrough, playing 20 games for the Sound Tigers' NHL franchise, the New York Islanders. He even scored a goal against the Florida Panthers, the reigning NHL champions.

Now the Canadian has hung up his number 91 jersey – but he still needs his skates as assistant coach of the Rittner Buam. Halmo will also take over as head coach of the U19 team, which will consist exclusively of young players from Ritten next season.

“On the Ritten I can grow as a trainer” Mike Halmo

Ritten's sporting directors Dan Tudin and Alexander Eisath commented on the signing as follows: "He understands how important a team-oriented mindset is for success and, thanks to his long playing career, brings with him a wealth of experience from which our young players in particular can benefit."

Halmo himself can't wait to get started at Ritten: "As a coach, I want to build a strong, disciplined, and united team. Work ethic, respect, and continuity are especially important to me. I also want to help each player grow, not only as an athlete, but also as a person. I chose Ritten because I believe I can grow there as a coach."