Gianluca Vallini has a new employer. © Fantini Serena

9 years later: Vallini returns to Bolzano

After the departures of Andreas Bernard and Sam Harvey, it was clear that HCB Südtirol Alperia would start the upcoming season with a new goalie duo. On Friday it was announced that Gianluca Vallini had been signed by the Foxes.

June 02, 2023

From: leo

The native of Bolzano began his career at EV Bozen and ventured into North America in 2010 and 2011. The 29-year-old then signed for Fassa before moving to HC Eppan on loan in 2014 and having a sensational run with the Pirates in what was then known as Serie A. In the following four years he played two seasons each for HC Gherdëina and the Wipptal Broncos. Vallini recently had the most successful time of his career in Asiago, where he won five titles in four seasons.

As recently emerged, Vallini was aiming to get involved in South Tyrol again this year. The offer from HC Bozen therefore came in handy. It remains to be seen whether he will take on the role of substitute goalie for the Foxes or whether he will be called up to higher tasks. What is certain is that the HCB has a native of Bolzano in its ranks again.

Back to where it all began

“I’m thrilled,” says Vallini. “Although I played for EV Bozen, as a little boy I went to all the HCB Bozen games with my father: imagining playing in this stadium in this jersey is simply something special. The last year was an adjustment and at the same time a turning point for me, because the jump from the AlpsHL to the ICEHL wasn't easy at the beginning, but I think that I have proven that I can keep up at this level. It's a great honor to be the first person from Bolzano to wear the white and red jersey again after a few years, but also a great responsibility: When you go on the ice, you always give everything for your team, but to play for the city in which you live “The fact that you were born and grew up is something special.”

Gianluca Vallini moves to HCB. © Fantini Serena

Vallini talks about his goals for the coming season: “Personally, of course, I want to play as many games as possible,” he explains: “I want to show that I am at the top and that I can help the team at any moment: that is what Bozen wants to always be at the forefront, it has always been the case in the past and will also be the case this year. The CHL will also be a great experience. Playing against teams of this level is a challenge – anything can happen, especially in September: we want to get into the top 16 and thus qualify for the knockout phase.”