The new ICE star Nick Bonino was in Bolzano on Sunday. © SN

Nick Bonino's almost return: "I love South Tyrol"

In February, Nick Bonino was still playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL, now he is the big star of the ICE Hockey League. He has recently started playing for Olimpija Ljubljana - and only because a sensational transfer to South Tyrol fell through. SportNews asked the two-time Stanley Cup champion.

10 December 2024

It is early Sunday evening, the Sparkasse Arena is almost empty, when Nick Bonino trots out of the catacombs of the Bozen ice rink with his head bowed. His new employer Olimpija Ljubljana was recently defeated by the Foxes. But it is not long before Bonino, in conversation with SportNews the corners of his mouth turned up. A look back to 2012 noticeably brightens his mood.

"It was a great time. There are moments, experiences and people that I have taken to my heart," says Bonino. He is talking about the autumn of 2012, when, to the surprise of many, he signed up with HC Neumarkt in Italy's second league during the NHL lockout. In 19 appearances, he collected an incredible 52 points. Bonino was 24 years old at the time, and later won two World Cup medals as captain of the US national team, playing in the best league in the world for Anaheim, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minnesota, San Jose and New York. The striker became a two-time Stanley Cup winner.

“I want to show my children new countries and cultures.” Nick Bonino

But what prompted Bonino to move to the Unterland ice hockey village? "It was a crazy time," remembers Ivo Visintin, former president of HC Neumarkt, "We had the chance to get him. Within a short time we organized sponsorship money, an apartment and a car - and then he was suddenly there. For me, those were the most exciting weeks of my ice hockey career." The deal was arranged by Unterland ice hockey all-rounder Pepi Giovanett, who had another big NHL fish on his hook in Andrew Cogliano. He then signed up with KAC.

In Bolzano, Nick Bonino (4th from left) chatted with Neumarkt ice hockey friends including Ivo Visintin (1st from left) and Pepi Giovanett (3rd from left).

In Italy, Bonino filled all the halls for weeks, and in the lowlands he is still remembered today. He lived in an apartment in the Neumarkt arcades, spent a lot of time with his teammates and traveled around the country. "It's beautiful here. After the 2015 World Cup, I visited Neumarkt with my wife; I really wanted to show her the area. I love South Tyrol," enthuses the US boy.

The Cavs were interested in Bonino

This love almost brought him to Neumarkt a second time. A few weeks ago, Bonino was about to sign a contract with the Unterland Cavaliers in the Alps Hockey League. According to rumors, the huge deal fell through not because of the former NHL star's salary expectations, but rather because he couldn't find an English-speaking school for his children in this country. "We have three children that I want to show new countries and cultures to. And in a place where I can play good ice hockey," reveals Bonino. He now has this opportunity in Ljubljana. The overall package is a good fit, says the 36-year-old.

Nick Bonino won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. © NHLPA

On Sunday in Bozen, Bonino collected his third point in just his second ICE appearance, but still seemed far from his top form. "I haven't played a game for eleven months, and I can tell," said Bonino, who at the same time praised HC Bozen: "They are an extremely difficult opponent who brings toughness, discipline and an incredible amount of quality."

Bonino never thought about quitting, even though he spent months looking for a new club after leaving the Rangers. "I wasn't happy with my last season in New York. I didn't want to leave like that."

In Ljubljana, the veteran wants to lead a young team into the playoffs as a leader, because "I like the role of leader." At the same time, he also wants to use the time to get to know Europe better. "If it works out, I'll visit some friends in Neumarkt over the next few months," says Bonino. Who knows, maybe the visit to South Tyrol will be followed by a return to ice hockey in the late autumn of his career. True to the motto: postponed is not cancelled.