A fan favorite has received a new contract with HC Bozen.

Bolzano and Olympia: A new door opens for this striker

HC Bozen is almost complete! On Tuesday morning, the Foxes signed another player who has already made fans' hearts beat faster several times in the past.

July 15, 2025

From: fop

The long guessing game about Cristiano DiGiacinto has come to an end. The 29-year-old striker, who came to Bolzano a year and a half ago, will continue to play in the regional capital. And as an Italian.

DiGiacinto was born in Ontario, Canada, but his great-grandparents all come from the provinces of Teramo and Rome. Nevertheless, he had to wait a long time for his Italian passport. Now, however, the problem has been resolved – and the versatile striker can suddenly have legitimate hopes of a spot on Italy's 2026 Olympic squad.

DiGiacinto is also no longer listed as a transfer card player at HC Bolzano. A circumstance that decisively advanced his contract extension until summer 2026. This should also be a relief for the fans. The brawny, always committed Italian-Canadian has been a firm favorite with them since his fight last season in the derby in Bruneck against the two-meter-tall giant Viktor Svedberg.

Cristiano DiGiacinto (here in a fight with Viktor Svedberg) is not afraid of toughness.

DiGiacinto's not only shoveling, he also impresses with his technical skills on the ice. He recorded 74 points in 42 games for Bolzano. Before his first move across the pond, the left-handed shooter played professionally in the AHL (92 games, 27 points) and the ECHL (64 games, 41 points).

"Bolzano is definitely the best place to play," said Digiacinto. "I love the city, I love the fans, I love being part of this team. I'm proud of my personal development over the last year, but I can't wait to show the fans a new level of my game. I'm training hard, ready to come back and play my best hockey – to bring the trophy to Bolzano. It's our time, it has to be, and I want to play a key role in that."

HCB is still looking for a goalscorer

With the contract extension, HC Bozen is almost complete. Club boss Dieter Knoll and his entourage are now only looking for a foreign goalscorer. The defense is also likely to be bolstered by a local star.

The current squad of HC Bozen:

Gate: Sam Harvey, Gianluca Vallini

Defense: Dylan Di Perna, Scott Valentine, Jason Seed, Philip Samuelsson (new), Max Gildon (new), Mark Barberio (new)

Attack: Dustin Gazley, Daniel Mantenuto, Brad McClure, Matt Bradley, Pascal Brunner, Daniel Frank, Luca Frigo, Cristiano DiGiacinto, Bryce Misley (new), Shane Gersich (new), Brett Pollock (new)