Peter Hochkofler is looking ahead. © Manuel Mackinger/EC RB Salzburg

After stroke: Peter Hochkofler returns

A scare with a happy ending: After collapsing in the locker room in January, Peter Hochkofler is allowed to play ice hockey again. The 31-year-old from Eppan has now received a new contract in the ICE Hockey League.

05 May 2026

From: fop

The joyful news arrived late Tuesday morning: "The Red Bulls have extended their collaboration with Peter Hochkofler and are pleased to continue having the experienced forward in the team," reads an official statement from the Salzburg ICE club.

Hochkofler will thus soon begin his 17th season with Salzburg, his 12th as a professional. This is no small feat, as the striker from South Tyrol only played eight matches last winter due to injury, before the major shock came on January 16th. Hochkofler collapsed before the game against Villach, as it later turned out, due to a stroke. The season was over, the future uncertain.

"I want to reinvent myself physically and mentally." Peter Hochkofler

“Mentally, I still have some things to work through, but otherwise I’m doing well. Thanks also to the comprehensive help I received from the Red Bulls in all areas,” Hochkofler is now quoted as saying by the club.

Former national team player Peter Hochkofler has long since made Salzburg his home. © Heiko Mandl - EC Red Bull Salzburg

The player from Überetsch has a clear plan for what comes next: "Now I want to rebuild myself physically and mentally and draw new energy from that. I'm happy that things are continuing for me here; Salzburg has become more than just a club to me."

More than just a comeback

Hochkofler has already won five ICE Hockey League championships with Salzburg. His tough and fearless playing style makes him a true favorite with the Red Bull fans, but anything but popular with opposing teams. Now it's confirmed that ice hockey fans in Bruneck and Bolzano will see the South Tyrolean expat again next season. And that's ultimately much more than just good news for the sport.