HCB captain Daniel Frank was available for the practical part. © win2day ICE Hockey League

With HCB star Frank: ICE doctors advise on safety

Last weekend, the annual medical conference of the ICE Hockey League and Alps Hockey League took place in Bolzano. For three days, the focus was on safety on the ice – with HCB captain Daniel Frank as a guest.

June 16, 2025

From: pm/sn

Key topics included the revision of the Medical Handbook, the creation of a rescue and ice emergency action plan, and practical training on player rescue on the ice. HCB captain Daniel Frank, who last January had himself been involved in a brutal incident on the ice.

After a foul by Cameron Gaunce in the game against Fehervar, Frank hit the ice with his face, immediately opening a bleeding wound. The result was a severe concussion – the eighth of his career as a professional athlete. Incidents like these motivate those in charge to continuously improve player safety and ensure a well-coordinated, well-trained medical team.

Safety is the focus

Dr. Christian Thuile, team doctor of HC Bolzano, emphasized the importance of the conference. "A well-coordinated team is only possible through practice, exchange, and experience – that's exactly what this meeting is for," he explained. "We're also holding on-ice training so we can guarantee the players' safety during matches."

The annual medical conference took place this year in Bolzano. © win2day ICE Hockey League

Player safety on the ice is our absolute priority. "Medical care in ice hockey is very important – tragic incidents occur again and again, and we want to prevent them as best we can," said league doctor Dr. Christiane Loinig-Velik. "We are trying to further improve player safety and continually improve ourselves through mutual communication."