A new player for the HCB: Enrico Larcher

Bolzano's new player full of energy: "A unique opportunity"

For years, Italy's national team and the domestic ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) clubs have been clamoring for promising homegrown defensemen. Enrico Larcher, a 21-year-old talent from Pieve di Cadore, now wants to prove, in the jersey of HCB Südtirol Alperia, that he has the potential to become a fixture for the Foxes.

August 06, 2025

When Kurt Kleinendorst leads his first training session with HC Bolzano on Saturday, August 9, in Corvara, Enrico Larcher will be the youngest player on the Foxes' 23-man roster. The defender from Pieve di Cadore knows he has to earn his place, but Larcher is ready to give his all to climb the Bolzano hierarchy. "I want to impress the coaches with my simple game, my overview of the game, and my commitment – I would do anything to help the team win."

Whether he can convince Kleinendorst with these arguments remains to be seen. One thing is certain: he already has a supporter on the bench in Fabio Armani. The 51-year-old assistant coach of the Füchse was the one who arranged Larcher's move to HCB. "I spoke with Fabio a few times on the phone. I know him well, as he was my coach for a long time on the youth national teams. He asked me if I'd be willing to come to Bolzano. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. I knew immediately that I would seize this unique opportunity," Larcher says.

Bolzano remains the priority

For the talented player, this is his first experience outside of Veneto. He began playing ice hockey with his hometown club, Pieve di Cadore. At 16, he played his first games in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) for Cortina – as a key pillar of the Ampezzo defense. "Leaving Cortina wasn't easy, because over the past six years, it has become my second home," Larcher reports. "I got along brilliantly with both the players and the management. They were friendly and helpful from day one."

Already made his debut for the national team: Enrico Larcher

The right-handed shooter could face his former club next season, as he signed a two-way contract with the Foxes. This means that if he doesn't play regularly in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL), he could "switch" to Merano and gain playing time there.

"It would be a bit strange if I were to play against Cortina with Merano. But we're professionals and always want to win – no matter who's on the other side. Having this opportunity was very important to me. Merano has had a strong team for years and has always been a tough opponent. They've put together a strong team again this season. I would be very happy to play in the Merano Arena – although my primary focus is clearly on HC Bolzano," Larcher explains.

More than just a substitute player

Larcher is nominally the eighth defenseman for the two-time ICEHL champions. However, the U24 rule plays into the hands of the Foxes' new number 53. Only if two players fall into this category are on the roster can the team field all 22 players. Larcher and forward Pascal Brunner are the only professionals on the league's most experienced team with this status. "I know it will be difficult, but I'll do everything I can to get as much playing time as possible," Larcher says combatively.

Enrico Larcher is a two-time Italian champion.

That the move to Bolzano came about this summer is quite surprising, as Larcher had a difficult season in Cortina. After sustaining an injury in the second game of the season, he was out for almost four months. "It was frustrating watching the games from the stands," Larcher reports.

“But I also learned a lot during this time.” Enrico Larcher on his almost four-month injury break

"Seeing your teammates fighting, toiling, and giving their all on the ice is difficult. But I also learned a lot during that time. From above, you have a different perspective. I was able to see new things that you wouldn't notice on the ice because you're under so much pressure. On the other hand, even if you're injured, you can never let yourself get down and you have to keep being active." He clearly succeeded, because just a few weeks after his return, he celebrated the Italian championship title with Cortina.

He now wants to pursue a title with HC Bozen. He's also looking forward to playing alongside players who have already earned their living in the top European and North American leagues. "My goal is to learn as much as possible from my teammates so I can then implement these things into my game." These words clearly show that Larcher is ambitious and willing to work hard to become a permanent fixture for the Foxes.