Christopher Gibson no longer plays for HC Bozen. © det

Bolzano's goalkeeper with a special history bids farewell.

Shortly before the playoffs, there is a personnel change at HC Bozen: Backup goalie Christopher Gibson has left.

February 27, 2026

From: det

In mid-December, HC Bozen brought a new player on board, which brought an interesting story to the state capital: Christopher Gibson was signed as a backup goalie. The Finn with Caribbean roots was intended to replace the then-injured backup, Gianluca Vallini.

Gibson, who played 16 NHL games and won a Stanley Cup, made four appearances in goal for Bolzano, posting a save percentage of 87 percent. Now, his path has diverged. On Friday, Bolzano announced that Gibson has left for Germany.

Gibson has lifted the Stanley Cup during his career. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / BRUCE BENNETT

"The Finnish goalkeeper has used the exit clause included in his contract, which allowed him to leave the club in the event of an offer from the DEL, and will therefore continue the season in the top German league," the club said in a statement.

This won't change much for HCB: Regular backup Jonny Vallini is fit again and has been taking on the role of replacement for regular goalie Sam Harvey for several games now.