HC Bozen could bring an experienced coach back to the ICE Hockey League. © Domen Jancic/HK Olimpija

Bolzano's search for a coach: Does the trail lead to this Finn?

HC Bozen has finalized its roster – except for one last personnel decision, and the most important one at that: the coach. Now, the name of a highly touted candidate is leaking out.

August 01, 2026

From: fop

Antti Karhula is the coach who is currently said to be particularly popular with HC Bozen. Although he is not the only candidate, his appointment is currently the most hotly debated.

After HCB had no success in coaching talks in recent months, and a return of former Bolzano coaches was even discussed – including allegedly Greg Ireland – Karhula now basically matches the desired profile.

Four years of ICE experience

The Finn, nicknamed "Upi," already has league experience, but at 50 years old is still relatively young. He is known for his structured defensive play, but also possesses creative attacking approaches. Former players describe him as a charismatic man who also has his quirks and flaws.

Antti Karhula worked at Fehèrvár for two and a half years, first as assistant coach, then as head coach. © ICE

Karkhula has been without a club since his brief stint with the German second-division team Bad Nauheim. His time there ended after just 35 days in March. Previously, the Scandinavian coach worked in Finland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia – and, notably, in the ICE Hockey League. From 2019 to 2021, he was behind the bench for Fehérvár, and from 2023 to 2024, he coached Olimpija Ljubljana against Bolzano.

Whether Karhula will actually become the Foxes' new head coach should be decided in the coming days. HCB certainly doesn't have much time left: preseason training begins in Corvara in two weeks.