Bolzano's top striker poses with an Icelandic horse. © Instagram

Pope, volcanoes & love: This is how Puster Valley residents and Bolzano residents vacation

Ice hockey break? Time for sun, sightseeing, and selfies! At least that's what the stars of HC Pustertal and HC Bozen are doing. They've scattered in all directions – from Italy, Austria, and Iceland to Canada.

07 November 2025

From: sportsnews

Both the Wolves and the Foxes have given their players about a week off from training during the international break. Those players not on international duty can therefore enjoy a short break before focusing on the next league game next Wednesday.

The foreign players of HC Pustertal are particularly keen to travel during this short break, with three of them – as league leaders of the ICE Hockey League, no less – heading south. The three Americans Jon Blum, Austin Rueschhoff and Henry Bowlby They visited Florence and the picturesque surrounding countryside in Tuscany. Blum was accompanied by his family, while Bowlby had his girlfriend Amelie, the sister of NHL goalie Frederik Andersen, by his side.

A special moment at St. Peter's Basilica

Whether the Puster Valley trio will be there to beat Bolzano Brett Pollock It hasn't been reported whether they crossed paths. The HCB forward also treated himself to a few days of vacation in central Italy. Incidentally, so did his teammate. Cole Schneider, who, however, ventured a little further south. He posted several pictures from the streets of Rome on his social media channels – including an encounter with Pope Leo XIV, who even briefly held his young son in his arms in St. Peter's Square. "A very special morning in the Vatican that we will never forget. May God protect you forever," his partner wrote under the commemorative photo.

Even Brad McClure He stayed in Italy. He strolled through the streets of Verona with his girlfriend, former Miss South Tyrol Valentina Campanella. Bolzano's top scorer went in the completely opposite direction. Shane Gersich He flew. He and his girlfriend Bridget explore the unique landscape of Iceland, from the volcanic geysers to waterfalls and endless expanses, all the way to the bustling capital city of Reykjavik.

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Car instead of plane – that was the motto of Pustertal. JC Lipon, who was spotted golfing in Kitzbühel. He seized the opportunity to take a closer look at the old continent – ​​an almost customary ritual for North American players during the first championship break.

Golf swings in Kitz

Only one player swims completely against the current in this regard: HCP goalie Eddie Pasqualewho spared no effort to visit his family in Ontario, Canada. However, he too will be back in Bruneck in time for the start of training. Then the motto will be: put away passport, get your skates and sticks out again!