Some HCB stars will be saying goodbye to Bolzano forever. © Vanna Antonello

Who stays, who goes? This is how HC Bozen is changing

The Foxes lost to champions Salzburg in the ICE semifinals last Friday. Now the question arises: What will remain of this HC Bozen? The first departures and contract extensions are looming.

02 April 2025

By reaching the semifinals, HC Bozen has achieved its stated goal for the season. Nevertheless, even casual stadium visitors realized: This team could have achieved more. "I have to agree," says Dieter Knoll, HCB's managing director and sports director.

And who is responsible in sports when a team doesn't live up to its potential? Of course, the coach! Glen Hanlon is the first departure. The 68-year-old plans to move to Canada to be with his family – likely preempting a possible separation from the club. All further personnel matters are therefore tied to Hanlon's successor, including the future of assistant coach Fabio Armani.

Coach Glen Hanlon will leave Bolzano. © det

However, every summer break offers plenty of room for speculation, and this is currently increasing around HCB goalie Sam Harvey The wildest excesses. He reportedly has a multi-year contract offer from an ICE competitor, and DEL clubs have also already come knocking. And what's Bozen doing? SportNews asked Knoll: "I can well imagine other clubs approaching him, but the fact is that Harvey feels very comfortable with us. We are currently in talks with him."

Harvey and Bourque are courted

Not only Harvey has aroused interest abroad, but also his front men Simon Bourque and Peter SpornbergerHowever, it can be assumed that Bolzano will try to keep the Canadian attacking defender. The same applies to Spornberger, who, according to German media reports, is in talks with Augsburg. "He's one of the best Italian defenders, and we want to build our new team around him," reveals Knoll, who adds, "However, the player also has to want to stay with us."

“We want to build our new team on Spornberger” HCB sports director Dieter Knoll

For substitute goalie Gianluca Vallini and the defenders Enrico Miglioranzi, Dylan Di Perna,Jason seed It appears likely that he will remain in the state capital. Scott Valentine will continue to lead the team in the future. However, tough negotiations with his team of advisors are still pending. The outcome is uncertain! Cole Hults, who was unable to live up to expectations, will definitely say goodbye to Bolzano on Saturday afternoon at the fan meeting in the Eiswelle.

Hults and Bradley about to leave

There will also be at least one prominent departure in attack: last year's star purchase Matt Bradley has declined significantly in the playoffs, thus eliminating the arguments for continued employment. Should this, contrary to expectations, still materialize, it will be significantly less lucrative for Bradley than before. Braden Christopher and top scorer Adam Helewka are about to leave, although they could still change the Foxes' minds with a well-paid contract.

The fate of other offensive forces also hangs in the balance, especially that of the disappointing Italians Giordano Finoro and Nick Saracino. Better cards have Anthony Salinitri. The strong finish to the season Brad McClure and the tireless Dustin Gazley could add at least one more season in Bolzano. "I think I still have a few good years ahead of me," Gazley said recently. in a SportNews interview.

Whether Mike Halmo will pick up a hockey stick again is questionable. © HCB

And what about Mike Halmo? His career is tipped toward the end, although there are certainly potential buyers from the Alps Hockey League. And even HCB boss Knoll isn't ready to write off the physically challenged fan favorite: "We're currently analyzing the performances of all players in detail. It's about determining what value they can have for HC Bozen in the future. That's also the case with Halmo."

“Pascal Brunner will play an important role next year” HCB sports director Dieter Knoll

The value of the local regulars in attack is undisputed, from Daniel frank of Michael Marchetti to Luca Frigo. “And the Pascal Brunner I'll take that too. Next year he will play a significant role," predicts Knoll. One such Daniel Mantenuto and Cristiano DiGiacinto reserved, although there is still no question mark behind the latter due to his status as a transfer card player.

This player profile is being searched for

One thing is certain: At HCB, a personnel shake-up will soon come into effect, but there will be no major overhaul of the squad. “In our player search, Champions League qualification a negotiating advantage. We will increasingly strengthen our squad with young, hungry players. In any case, both U23 spots in the squad should be filled. At the same time, we are looking for veterans with European experience who know how to win titles." Because one thing seems certain: being fobbed off in the semifinals does not meet HC Bozen's standards. Even achieving the season's goal is no consolation for this.