This is the new HC Val Gardena

The new head coach Teppo Kivelä (57) was signed by the “Furie” in April. The Finn then gave valuable advice on signing foreigners, and the new sports directors Joel Brugnoli and Marco Liberatore were active in the transfer market and found what they were looking for. After 16 years of active ice hockey, the 33-year-old Brugnoli changed sides. He is also assisting Kivelä this season. Throughout the summer, the Val Gardena players trained four times a week under the direction of Derek Eastman and Nora Rossetto.

And everyone put in a lot of effort. There is a good reason for that. "We want our Val Gardena players to take responsibility. Kivelä's game idea and style of play require top condition and fitness. The players have to run a lot, work hard and give it their all," Brugnoli sums it up. The Ladins impressed in the preparation games. "It will certainly take time for the coach's new game idea to take hold. We play much more actively, much more aggressively and I think we are on the right track," Brugnoli emphasises. In defence there are 2 Finns and XNUMX Canadians Four foreign players have been chosen for defense. Henri Mustonen is a 4-year-old Finn who was once considered a huge talent. He tried his luck for two years in North American junior leagues. Now he wants to show himself in Europe and start a professional career with the HCG. With a height of 20 meters and more than 2 kilograms, Mustonen has the right size.

Karter Prosofsky is a more defensive defender who doesn't shy away from anything or anyone, as his 11 boxing matches last season prove. "Karter is someone who cleans up in front of the goal, plays hard and can get things done." Because there were problems with his visa, he only arrived in Val Gardena at the beginning of September - but in very good physical shape. Jordan Di Cicco, who is strong in ice skating, has the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina in the back of his mind. The Canadian, who is considered a complete defender, has finished his university days in North America at the age of 25 and now wants to make a breakthrough in the country of his ancestors.

"Di Cicco has to play in Italy for 16 months and then he will be considered for the Olympic Games," explains Brugnoli, who "really enjoys" working with agents and the countless video analyses of the players to be signed. He himself no longer plays because he can no longer reconcile his job and ice hockey. But the former captain is there at every game of his hometown club. Vili Laitinen is highly regarded in Selva. The 24-year-old recently played the regular season in the ranks of the Finnish second division club Kiekko-Espoo (33 games with 7 goals and 21 assists). In the 2021/22 season, the Finn was under contract with HC Pustertal. Brugnoli is convinced of him: "Vili is a fast offensive defender who fits in perfectly with our team." In expert circles, Laitinen has what it takes to be a superstar in the league. "I believe so too. He is extremely strong, helps the young players and motivates them."

McGowan enters his 6th season The Ladinians want to exert constant pressure with four lines in attack. Brad McGowan is the team's leader, and not just because of his age. The 4-year-old is entering his sixth season with the Ladinians and has collected an incredible 34 points (6 goals) in 204 games. "McGowan is technically brilliant. He can read the game perfectly and always creates danger with his moments of surprise," says the Val Gardena sports director, who praises the Canadian.

McGowan will lead the local players in attack and will probably receive the best support in the leadership role from former HCB players Diego Glück and Simon Pitschieler as well as Stephan Deluca. Pitschieler, who succeeded Brugnoli as captain, is happy that things are finally getting started: "The first impression is very good, we have a young team with strong foreign players. We get on well with the new coach; he leaves nothing to chance. On the ice, everyone knows what to do."

Hofer and Rindone fight for number 1 Depending on their performance and form, Paul Hofer and young hopeful Matthias Rindone will alternate in goal. "Hofer has long been a guarantee. Rindone is from Bolzano, who played in the juniors in Innsbruck last year and was previously trained in Finland for three years. We are convinced that he can make the breakthrough," the sports director analyses and says of the season's goal: "We would of course like to be represented in the play-offs, but as I said, the development of our own players is more important to us. They should take a step forward." The best thing would be their second team.

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This is the new HC Val Gardena

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