Scott Valentine will also be cleaning up the HCB's defense next season. © Leo Holzknecht / Vanna Antonello

The “Valentrain” will also roll through Bolzano next season

When you take the train, you should always step back from the yellow line. Every child knows that. When HC Bozen's opponents come to the Sparkasse Arena, however, they have to watch out for a very special "train" - also in the coming season.

July 28, 2024

From: mv

Now it's a done deal: Scott Valentine will also be playing for HCB Südtirol in the 2024/25 season! The 33-year-old will be entering his third season in South Tyrol and will once again be one of the best and most feared defenders in the entire league.

Scott Valentine came to Bolzano in the summer of 2022 from the DEL (he played for one year with the Krefeld Pinguins and then six seasons with the Augsburg Panthers) with advance praise - and knew how to impress right away. He scored 67 points in 18 games, but his great strength is his physical game: Valentine, who earned the nickname "Valentrain" over the course of his career, always went into every duel with the necessary toughness and could also be found where it hurt. And his calmness and experience were also an indispensable added value for his teammates throughout the season.

Difficult play-offs 2023/24

Last season, Valentine – like the entire HCB team – had a difficult time at first: The results were not right, the goals were not coming and the opponents were constantly giving the Foxes goals. After a strong second half of the season, HC Bozen finally made it to the semi-finals. It was there that their most important defender, Valentine, was out with a head injury.

Scott Valentine (right) will also guard the spaces in front of the HCB goal next season. © GEPA pictures/ Gintare Karpaviciute

In the all-important game 7, he gritted his teeth and traveled with the team to Salzburg. There, however, he became a tragic hero: the Canadian was directly involved in two of the three goals conceded. Although the elimination was extremely bitter, Valentine had one wish close to his heart immediately after the game: "I love HC Bozen and hope that I can play here next year too," he said in an interview. Now his wish has come true and Valentine can start his third HCB season full of motivation.

The title as a goal

"I am very happy to stay in Bolzano and to be able to play again in front of our great fans. Over the last two years we have built a team that has the goal of winning the championship and I can't wait to get back on the ice and fight to the end. It has to be the year of revenge, it's time to bring the title to Bolzano."