He has every reason to smile these days: Rudy Rigoni. © SN

He has a plan: Meran's shooting star and his future

At first, he seemed a bit awkward, but then he truly excelled. Rudy Rigoni was unexpectedly given the opportunity to play for Italy's national ice hockey team for two weeks. He's set to make a comeback with the Azzurri. But first, it's important to clarify where the rising star will earn his living next winter.

20 April 2025

"Those were two fantastic weeks," beamed Rudy Rigoni after the final training session with the national team. While his teammates boarded the plane on Wednesday and departed for the international trip to Poland, his Blue Team adventure is over. Rigoni will have to give up his place to star goalie Damian Clara. This was agreed upon with the coaching staff.

Rigoni is thus saying goodbye to the national team. For now, at least. "I have to honestly say, I've acquired a taste for it," the 22-year-old said with a wink after the end of training. "I'll give everything to experience it again. To be a permanent fixture on the national team would be an absolute dream."

Rudy Rigoni completed his World Cup preparations with the Blue Team. © Vanna Antonello

The HC Merano goalkeeper has attracted attention in the Alps Hockey League. "The call-up was still a complete surprise," he explained. "I came to Bolzano simply to present myself, to show the coaches all my skills. I think I did quite well." At the same time, Rigoni admits that the beginning was a bit rocky. "The first two or three practices were really tough. The level here is much higher than in the AlpsHL, which is especially noticeable as a goalkeeper."

All experts surprised

Rigoni, who has only been called up to the Italian junior team once in his entire career, was breaking new ground at the training camp in Bolzano. The youngster from Asiago is just beginning to make his mark. In his first year in the AlpsHL, he truly took center stage in the playoffs. He led HC Merano to the seventh quarterfinal match against Ritten with a save percentage of 91,4 percent. "I didn't perform so well at the beginning of the season, but later on, things went really well, just like the whole team," he summarized.

“I want to play in the ICE someday” Rudy Rigoni

Rigoni only moved from Pergine to Merano last summer. His strong performances in the spa town have certainly aroused interest. However, he SportNews-Interview, he was clear right away: "I want to play in the ICE Hockey League at some point, no question. As a young goalie, it's all about just playing, getting some exposure, and gaining experience. If I only play ten games per season as a backup, I can't improve."

Movement in the goalkeeper market

Rigoni's path to the ICE is (still) blocked, but he will be playing as the number one in a lower league next season. Where, that hasn't been decided yet. The Wipptal Broncos are exploring the transfer market following the impending departure of Dominik Groh and the confirmed transfer of Jakob Rabanser to HC Pustertal. Cortina is also on the lookout. "We'll see what happens in the coming weeks. I certainly wouldn't mind staying in Merano," Rigoni said.

Rudy Rigoni can well imagine staying in Merano. © BK Photo

According to sources close to the club, negotiations between the goalkeeper and HCM are already well advanced. One thing is certain: whether in Merano or elsewhere, Rigoni will continue to make appearances next season. And perhaps the youngster will then even get his long-awaited reunion with the national team.