Bolzano's newest signing last played in Germany. © Adler Mannheim / Daniel Bamberger

Bolzano strikes: This man brings experience and points

HCB Südtirol Alperia has presented its next new signing for the 2026/27 season: It is an internationally experienced defender with a pronounced offensive drive.

July 13, 2026

From: fop

Our preview of Zac Leslie A new defenseman is moving to Bolzano. The 32-year-old Canadian brings experience from nearly 400 AHL games, almost 100 appearances in the KHL, as well as stints in the Swiss National League and the DEL.

Leslie is considered a versatile defenseman with strong skating, an accurate first pass, and power-play skills. Furthermore, he has gained leadership experience as an assistant captain throughout his career – both in North America and in the KHL.

"My family and I can't wait to come to Italy." Zac Leslie

“I’m incredibly excited to be playing for a club with such an amazing history. It’s a great honor to become part of the Foxes,” Leslie explained after signing his contract. “I chose Bolzano because I wanted to play for a team that always strives to fight for the title until the very end. My family and I can’t wait to get to Italy.”

Once an NHL draft pick, but recently held back

The Ottawa-born defenseman was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Although he never played in the NHL, he became a key player in the AHL. Leslie played a total of 394 games for the Ontario Reign, Chicago Wolves, Stockton Heat, and Belleville Senators, recording 142 points.

Zac Leslie most recently played for Mannheim and Straubing in the DEL. © Daniel Bamberger, Der Bildjaeger

In the summer of 2022, the right-handed defenseman left North America and joined Kunlun Red Star in the KHL. He impressed in his debut season, racking up 39 points in 65 games. He then played for the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in Switzerland and most recently in Germany for Adler Mannheim and the Straubing Tigers. Last season in the DEL, Leslie tallied 21 points in 31 games for Straubing, making him the team's highest-scoring defenseman in terms of points per game. However, injuries hampered his progress over the past two years, preventing him from receiving a new contract with Straubing.

More squad news is expected to follow.

With the signing of the Canadian, HCB has certainly strengthened its defense with a player who is expected to contribute offensively and, with his international experience and leadership qualities, play an important role in the team. Bolzano also plans to announce further new signings in the coming days. The list includes a starting goalie, two defensemen, at least one forward – and, last but not least, the new head coach.

The Bolzano squad for the 2026/27 season:

Gate: Marco Costantini (new)

Defense: Enrico Larcher (confirmed), Carmine Buono (new), Teemu Kivihalme (new), Noah Frick (new), Zac Leslie (new)

Attack: Brad McClure (confirmed), Cole Schneider (confirmed), Cristiano DiGiacinto (confirmed), Dustin Gazley (confirmed), Matt Bradley (confirmed), Luca Frigo (confirmed), Daniel Mantenuto (confirmed), Bryce Misley (confirmed), Daniel Gellon (new), Isaac Ratcliffe (new), Nicolò Remolato (new), Turner Elson (new), Jakob Fuchs (new)