Cody Porter will now be guarding the goal for Val Gardena. © ESVK / Cody Porter

Solution in goal: A globetrotter comes to Val Gardena

Hockey Club Gherdëina starts the season with a new goalkeeping duo: globetrotter Cody Porter and Arik Plancker will guard the goal of the Furie.

June 23, 2026

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Following the departure of Claes Endre, the club management, led by President Walter Ploner, immediately began the search for a new number one goalie. They have now found him in Cody Porter. Homegrown talent Arik Plancker is expected to continue developing alongside him. "With Porter, we've signed a goalie who is in his prime as a hockey player," explains Sporting Director Joel Brugnoli.

"He brings international experience, having played in many countries, and is highly motivated to prove himself in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL). Plancker, on the other hand, has earned his chance after consistently delivering in recent seasons and always training with the first team. We are convinced that he will take the next step."

From Canada via the USA to Europe

The 28-year-old Porter began his hockey career in his hometown of Vancouver, where he played for the Vancouver Giants in the highly regarded Western Hockey League (WHL) starting in 2014. After one full season, he moved to the Calgary Hitmen, where he also held the starting goaltender position.

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After his time in junior ice hockey, the 1,91-meter-tall and 93-kilogram Porter spent two years in the US SPHL. His European adventure began in 2020 with the Polish first-division team Zaglebie Sosnowiec. In the following two seasons, he played a total of 47 games in Finland's second division, the Mestis, including eight games in the top-tier Liiga.

He most recently played in the second divisions of Sweden and the Czech Republic before finding a new home with the Starbulls Rosenheim and ESV Kaufbeuren in the DEL2. Now Porter, who will wear number 70, is ready for the next chapter.

Teenager Plancker eager for the next step

Eighteen-year-old Arik Plancker, on the other hand, was developed within the HCG ranks. After briefly taking a break from ice hockey during his youth, he has distinguished himself in recent years through his dedication, unwavering determination, and thirst for knowledge. This led to his early promotion to become the first goaltender in the IHL Division I, where he impressed with save percentages well over 90 percent. These performances resulted in the athletic left-handed goalie making his debut in the AlpsHL. Now, the teenager aims to take the next step in his development.