Christian Borgatello ends his career. © BK Photo

A great career comes to an end: Borgatello quits

HC Meran has to accept a personnel loss. On Saturday evening it was announced that after Luca Ansoldi, another club icon was ending his career: Christian Borgatello.

25 Maj 2024

From: leo/pm

With the defender from Meran, one of the great figureheads is leaving the local ice hockey stage. The 42-year-old was an integral part of the national team for decades, was under contract with the biggest Italian clubs and can look back on a career full of successes. “Skizzo” won the Italian championship title eight times, the Italian Cup four times, the Supercup five times, the AlpsHL once, and took part in eleven world championships and the Olympic Games.

“Today is certainly not an easy day for me, but it is the day of reflection and gratitude,” Borgatello is quoted as saying in a press release from his HC Meran. “It was a great honor for me to play in the playoffs again with my HCM this AlpsHL season, but also to be able to play for all the other previous clubs and to put on the jersey of the Italian national team at the World Championships and the Olympic Games in Turin.”

The right time

“In all of these 26 years as a player, I have always strived for success, victories and titles, while always training with great passion and playing with full commitment. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this sport and how difficult this decision was for me. But for me it's definitely the right one, especially after such a positive season for the team and me personally. It has become clear to me that at the age of 42 it can be enough and that is why unfortunately the day has come to say goodbye.”

“I have more than enjoyed every moment of these 26 years as a player in the various teams, but I was also very lucky to be able to play this sport for so long and without any major injuries. Now I’m excited to begin the next chapter in my life and share more quality time with my family.”

Finally, “Skizzo” would like to thank all of his companions who supported him on this incredible journey: starting with his wife Renate, through his family, to his teammates, clubs, media and, last but not least, the fans.