Top defender Nick Bailen (right) is transferring from Graz to Vienna. © GEPA pictures/ Hans Oberlaender

Hemorrhage at the champions: Half the defense is gone.

The newly crowned ICE Hockey League champions need to rebuild – at least defensively. Four top defensemen have left the club.

07 May 2026

From: fop

Two weeks after winning the championship, the Graz99ers are already in full swing with their planning for the 2026/27 season – albeit with major changes in defense. After the end of captain Korbinian Holzer's career Nick Bailen, Kasper Kotkansalo, Anders Koch, and Lukas Kainz are also leaving the club. This means the 99ers will practically have to rebuild their defense.

The departure of Nick Bailen is particularly painful; he had a record-breaking season with 50 points but opted against an extension. He is moving to league rival Vienna. Kotkansalo is returning to Finland despite intensive efforts, where he had already signed a long-term contract with Kiekko-Espoo. The Graz99ers did not exercise their contract option for Anders Koch, and forward Lukas Kainz will also no longer be part of the roster.