Andreas Bernard has found a new club. © Valentina Gallina

Transfer coup: Andy Bernard moves to the AlpsHL

Andreas Bernard is one of the best goalkeepers in South Tyrol. After recently leaving HC Pustertal, the goalie has now found a new club.

June 08, 2025

From: tu/pm

HC Merano fans can expect a big change between the sticks next season. While young talent Rudy Rigoni is leaving the club, the Eagles have acquired one of the flagships of South Tyrolean ice hockey: Andreas Bernard will be the new face in goal for the Merano team starting next season. The spa town announced this on Sunday. With his vast experience, the 34-year-old is expected to provide the necessary support.

This is a real coup for HC Merano. Bernard has been a fixture on the Italian national team for 13 years (67 caps) and gained valuable experience in the top Finnish league (Liiga), where he spent several years between the posts for Ässät and SaiPa. In 2020, the talented goalie returned to the domestic leagues and guarded the goal in the ICE Hockey League for HC Bozen, Villacher SV, and most recently for two seasons for HC Pustertal.

Bernard stood between the posts in Bruneck for two years. © Iwan Foppa/HC Pustertal

At Wolves, Bernard had to give way to Eddie Pasquale last season. At the beginning of May, the club and goalkeeper announced that their partnership would not continue. The Caldaro native was faced with a decision – even the word "retirement" was mentioned in connection with the 34-year-old. But Bernard still has one big goal: the 2026 Olympics in Italy.

"Either I find a club that plays at a good level so that I can qualify for the Olympics next year – or I end my career. That would be the second option," he explained in in a SportNews interview a month ago.

Merano's anticipation of Bernard

The Alps Hockey League was one option the South Tyrolean considered. He was welcomed with open arms in Merano. The club commented on the transfer as follows: "We are proud to welcome a goalkeeper with such an impressive career to our team."

With the Eagles, Bernard will get plenty of ice time and will likely be the clear No. 1 – exactly what he needs for his Olympic mission. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Andy Bernard's long and successful career – and the Merano team will enter the upcoming Olympic season with confidence in goal.