Jason Akeson (left) during his performance in Switzerland. © ANSA / GIAN EHRENZELLER

The former Pusterer and his curious debut in Switzerland

Jason Akeson has caused a sensation at HC Pustertal over the past two years. Now, after a nine-month involuntary break, the Canadian has made his debut in Switzerland. However, it was under rather unusual circumstances.

27 December 2025

From: det

Pustertal fans fondly remember Jason Akeson, the Wolves' star forward for the past two years, who topped the scoring charts both times. Akeson played his last game for HC Pustertal on March 11, 2025, in the playoff quarterfinals against Klagenfurt. At the time, the 35-year-old Canadian probably didn't imagine it would be nine months before he played another official game. And now, in a rather unusual way, that's how it's come about.

But let's recap the story. In January 2025, two months before the end of the season, Akeson announced that he had signed a contract with Genève-Servette – the 2023 Swiss champions – for the upcoming season. The North American was expected to receive his Swiss passport in September and thus would not count against his club's foreign player quota.

Jason Akeson (front) has amassed 119 points in 112 games for HC Pustertal. © HC Pustertal / I. Foppa

There's just one problem: the Swiss passport issue is dragging on endlessly. To this day, the 22-time NHL star still doesn't have a valid passport – and therefore hasn't played a single second for Genève-Servette. Because the club refuses to grant Akeson a foreign player license, the former Puster Valley native has to wait.

Match experience at the Spengler Cup

Now, the two-time DEL top scorer has finally made his long-awaited debut in Switzerland. However, not in the National League, but at the infamous Spengler Cup. And not in the jersey of Genève-Servette, but in the colors of the Finnish top club HIFK Helsinki. Akeson was loaned to that club for the duration of the Spengler Cup so that he could gain some playing experience.

On Saturday, the former Puster Valley player made his debut in the sold-out Davos arena, suffering a 1-4 defeat against Sparta Prague. Akeson will enjoy his appearances at the world's oldest ice hockey tournament – ​​and hope that he will finally be able to play for Genève-Servette afterwards.