The HCB guides striker Austin Smith to the Talferstadt

Smith was North Tyrol's top scorer last season and is expected to fill the gap left by Brodie Reid in Bolzano. The 28-year-old American is a classic sniper who is not above working on the defensive.

Smith ventured into Europe for the first time in the 2013/14 season. The winger had previously made almost 100 appearances in the AHL and ECHL after strong performances in the college championship. In Europe, Smith initially played for Ässät in the Finnish first league, where he scored 38 points in 16 games. After another short stint in the ECHL, the right-handed shooter ended up with the Ravensburger Towerstars in the DEL2014 in the winter of 2. Smith really blossomed with the Upper Swabians, collected 84 points in 110 games and left for Innsbruck in the summer of 2016 as the league's top scorer. The US boy also impressed across the board in North Tyrol and led the “Haie” into the playoffs for the first time in a long time with 27 goals and 28 assists.

“Can’t wait for the season to start” Smith is not only enthusiastic about his new employer, but also about the entire city and region: “I am sure that I will feel at home here. South Tyrol is one of the most beautiful places in the world, which is why I'm looking forward to the new season even more. Of course I want to build on my first year in the EBEL. In Innsbruck I got on really well with Clark and Lamoureux - I want to build the same relationship with my new teammates in Bolzano." The striker also addressed his first words to the HCB fan sector: "I can hardly wait to wear the Bolzano jersey and that Repaying trust with goals. We are going into the new season with a great team. The goal is clear: our championship should last as long as possible.”

Coach Pat Curcio knows the strengths of the newcomer: “Austin is a fast, talented player who has great goal instincts. He knows the EBEL, plays a good power play and, with his experience, can also act as a leader for the younger players. “Austin is certainly a reinforcement for our attack.”

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The HCB guides striker Austin Smith to the Talferstadt

The next top transfer at HCB Südtirol: The “Foxes” fished in the Tyrolean shark tank and signed ex-Innsbruck player Austin Smith.

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