New coaching duo to bring title to Klobenstein

A new chapter begins for the boys, with a largely restructured squad, new coaching staff and ambitious goals.

Dave MacQueen will be on the bench in the future. The 66-year-old Canadian has coached in North America and Europe during his long career, including in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Most recently, he spent six years in Romania and seven years with Dornbirner EC in the former EBEL. "Dave has been a guest at Ritten several times. He likes the surroundings and the facilities. He brings personality, a wealth of experience, and a different mentality," says sporting director Dan Tudin. "We had seven or eight meetings with him before he signed with us, and we were impressed by him. He wants all the players to defend together, block shots, and help each other. Last season, we often shone offensively, but had some shortcomings at the back. That should change now."

MacQueen knows how to develop talent. "At 66, he's no longer the youngest, but he has three children of his own and knows how to handle young players," says Tudin. At his side is Mike Halmo, former Bolzano star and NHL player. "In Mike, we believe we've found the right assistant, who will also lead our U19 team. He has a calm, refined style, is a leader, and will pass this on. He brings the perfect balance to Dave."

Mike Halmo will be working as an assistant coach at Ritten. © Max Pattis

The squad has been strengthened in a targeted manner. Colin Furlong remains in goal. The Italian-Canadian has long felt at home in South Tyrol and has impressed with save percentages of over 92 percent and his calmness in critical moments. Florian Plattner remains in the team as backup.

Dane and US boy to direct defense The two newcomers are a particular focus on defense. Patrick Madsen comes from Merano. At a stout 1,96 meters and 99 kilograms, the Dane brings toughness, vision, and range. Jake Crespi transferred from Hungary. The American is a strong skater with an offensive drive. "Jake was a forward in his youth team, plays an excellent first pass, and will be important on the power play. Last year, he played against our new coach a few times in Hungary and was always dangerous. He's also said to be a great guy in the locker room," praised Tudin.

Patrick Madsen is supposed to mix concrete in the back.

The boys have also improved their offensive line. Brandon Alderson is a power forward, 1,95 meters tall, physically strong, and with a powerful shot. The right winger is expected to follow in the footsteps of the departed Ethan Szypula. "We lost a lot of players on the right side. Brandon finishes his checks, takes care of the little things, has hockey sense, and brings presence," explains Tudin. Leonardo Felicetti comes from Cortina and has pace, a drive to score, and international experience.

Last year's pillars remain important. Simon Kostner leads the team again as captain, Diego Cuglietta is the top scorer, Marco Insam is the defensive leader and a weapon in the power play. Marco Marzolini is entering his seventh season in Klobenstein. In addition, there are proven locals like Kevin Fink, Adam Giacomuzzi, and cousins Manuel and Robert Öhler.

Spinell and Prast have ended their careers The second sporting director, Alexander Eisath, sees them as having a particular responsibility: "We've lost many experienced players in recent years, including Stefan Quinz, Julian Kostner, and Markus Spinell. Now the Öhlers, Finks, and Giacomuzzis must step into that role and assume even more responsibility. Michael Lang won't be back until next year, and Jakob Prast is no longer playing. He was injured, saw other things, and lacked motivation." The defense is short-staffed. "If needed, Giacomuzzi can also help out at the back. Mattia Clericuzio impressed us in the four games last season. He has the stature and made good decisions; he wants to take the next step."

The philosophy remains: character, quality, and commitment. "With our new players, we looked at both their character and their ability on the ice. We expect many close games this season, in which determination will often be decisive," says Tudin. Eisath also looks ahead to the two leagues in which Ritten participates: "Asiago is a win for the Italian championship. In the AlpsHL, Zell am See, with our Szypula, is certainly very strong. The level is rising, and the foreign players are generally better. But we are ready and well-positioned, even though we have some changes to the team."

The schedule is tight. Following Asiago, two South Tyrol derbies against the Wipptal Broncos and the HC Unterland Cavaliers follow. The high plateau is ready. The squad blends international experience, physicality, and pace with local passion. The new foreign players are expected to provide momentum, while the veterans provide stability. The countdown is on – and the Rittner Buam want to prove that they are once again among the best teams in the AlpsHL.

Rittner Buam Additions: Patrick Madsen (Meran), Jake Crespi (Ferencvarosi/First League), Mattia Clericuzio (Caldaro/IHL), Leonardo Felicetti (Cortina), Brandon Alderson (Coventry Blaze/GBR), Departures: Mads Larsen (Herning Blue Fox/DAN), Eric Hjorth (Lausitzer Füchse/DEL2), Ethan Szypula (Zell am See), Sebastiano Soracreppa (HC Gherdëina), Alan Lobis (HC Pustertal/ICEHL), Markus Spinell, Jakob Prast (both retired)

AlpsHL Austria	SP	TV	P
Rittner Buam	0	0:0	0
Underland Cavaliers	0	0:0	0
Salzburg II	0	0:0	0
Kitzbühel	0	0:0	0
Zell am See	0	0:0	0
HC Meran	0	0:0	0
View all

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Favorites

New coaching duo to bring title to Klobenstein

The Rittner Buam SkyAlps are facing an exciting season with many changes to the roster. Their first face-off against Asiago will take place on September 20th at the Ritten Arena. It's a top match.

Comments (0)