Greg Ireland was in charge of the HCB for almost two years. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

With NHL star in his luggage: Greg Ireland goes to Switzerland

Greg Ireland coached HC Bozen for two years and also managed the Italian national team. Now the experienced coach from Canada has made another career leap.

04 November 2024

From: fop

Greg Ireland is returning to where he coached HC Lugano for two years until 2019: to the Swiss top flight of ice hockey. However, his task will not be an easy one, as the 59-year-old is taking over the bottom-placed HC Ajoie.

At the underdog from the canton of Jura, Ireland succeeds Christian Wohlwend, who was fired after only four points from the first 13 games.

Bellemare moves to Ajoie

With Ireland, who led Bolzano to the final in 2021 and was most recently employed by the Chinese KHL club Kunlun Red Star, a former NHL superstar is also moving to Ajoie, namely Pierre-Édouard Bellemare. The 39-year-old striker comes with the experience of over 700 NHL games; the French center was most recently under contract with the Seattle Kraken.

Greg Ireland has also been on the bench for the Azzurri. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

With Ireland and Bellamare, HC Ajoie should finally be on the up. The gap to second-to-last teams Langnau and Geneva is currently nine points.