Whether Andreas Bernard will don his ice hockey gear again remains to be seen. © HCP/Florian Gasperi

“Then I’ll stop”: Andy Bernard at a crossroads

His departure was quiet: Andreas Bernard left HC Pustertal through the back door a few weeks ago. "Not everything is going perfectly in Bruneck," he says today. However, he's currently more focused on his own career anyway. He has an important decision to make.

08 May 2025

Andy Bernard is at a sporting crossroads, one that leads in completely different directions. "Either I find a club that plays at a good level so I can qualify for next year's Olympics," says the 34-year-old goalkeeper, "or I end my career. That would be the second option."

When he SportNews When he gets on the phone to talk about his future in sport, Bernard is busy in the apple orchards on his parents' farm. He's helping out there in his time off from ice hockey. He's also completing a distance learning course in business. "I'd like to work in management soon, maybe somewhere in ice hockey," he reveals. But when will he make the switch from the ice to behind a desk? The Kaltern native is asking himself this question repeatedly these days.

Option 1: End of career

It's not out of the question that Bernard will embark on a completely new career path this summer. He has been earning his living in ice hockey for almost two decades. He first played in South Tyrol, then in Finland, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, and Austria, and later in Bolzano and Bruneck.

Andreas Bernard is desperate to play for Italy again. © AFP / PATRIK STOLLARZ

Bernard has played almost 500 games as a professional, 36 of them for the Italian national team. That's exactly where he wants to go again. "I definitely want to be at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. But to do that, I have to play well at a high level on a regular basis," Bernard says. He adds in a serious tone: "If I don't find a suitable club, then that's it for ice hockey. Then I'll quit."

Option 2: Abroad

However, Bernard would prefer to stay for another year – preferably with a commitment abroad. "That would also fit in well with my studies, and I would then retire in the summer of 2026," says the experienced goalie. His agent is exploring the German market, where an adventure in the DEL2 could beckon. "Yes, that would currently be my first choice," he reveals.

Option 3: The Alps Hockey League

However, Bernard likely has no shortage of alternatives should a move to Brenner fail. In Sterzing, he's being talked about as a possible replacement for the sought-after Dominik Groh, and other clubs are also said to be loosely interested. However, Bernard puts a stop to the speculation: "I haven't had any concrete discussions with anyone."

“Bruneck needs continuity. Otherwise, nothing will happen.” Andrew Bernard

One thing is certain: The ICE Hockey League chapter has closed with his departure from HC Pustertal. "When I heard about Eddie Pasquale's contract extension, it was clear to me that there would be no room for me. Since I probably wouldn't have played much, this separation is best for both sides," said Bernard, who also took many positives with him from Bruneck, primarily the "many great acquaintances" he was able to make over the two years.

Andreas Bernard is someone who speaks his mind loudly. © HC Pustertal/I. Foppa

Bernard is trying to look ahead, but the Wolves remain close to his heart. And here's where something bothers him. "A year ago, we deliberately chose to rely on local players. The fans liked that, and we were on target in terms of our sporting performance. I'm sad to note that we're now straying from that path again."

One thing is important to Bernard: "Continuity. Bruneck, with its vision, is so important for ice hockey in Italy. However, as a sporting outsider, you have to plan consistently, take small steps consistently. Otherwise, it won't work." The former Wolf wishes the HCP the necessary patience. A patience that he, too, must demonstrate in these weeks. "In the end, everything will be fine," Bernard concludes.