Ethan Szypula has found a new club. © Max Pattis / Social Media

Transfer blast in the AlpsHL: Szypula moves within the league

Sporting director Alexander Eisath hinted at it in an interview with SportNews. Now it's certain: Ethan Szypula is leaving the Rittner Buam and moving to a direct competitor.

03 Maj 2025

From: leo

EK Zell am See won the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) championship just a few weeks ago. Now the Eisbären are already setting the course for the future. As the Salzburg team announced on Saturday, they have poached Ethan Szypula from the Rittner Buam. The 28-year-old is leaving the high plateau with a proud trophy collection. He won the AlpsHL, the Italian championship, and the Supercup. Last season, he was crowned the league's most valuable player with 103 points.

"I've always enjoyed playing as a guest at the arena in Zell am See over the past two years. Now I'm really looking forward to being on the home side. I've heard nothing but positive things about the club, the players, the organization, and the fans – and I'm really excited about the opportunity to play in Zell am See," the Canadian is quoted as saying on the website. "I'm looking forward to helping the team game after game and contributing to the club's winning mentality."

Zell am See is euphoric

"Ethan's signing is a real highlight for us – an absolutely top-notch transfer that will bring a lot of excitement and joy to our large community," says Managing Director Patrick Schwarz. "The fact that a player of his caliber has chosen our club despite strong interest from other clubs fills us with pride. It's a strong statement for our work and the appeal of our region."

Head coach Marcel Rodman is looking forward to working with Szypula: "Ethan had a historic season last season. He's incredibly dangerous offensively, fast, reads the game excellently, and is equally strong as both a playmaker and a shooter. I'm sure he'll bring a lot of offense to our game."