Louis Domingue was playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL two years ago. © Hartford Wolf Pack

Here he is: Bolzano drops the goalkeeping bombshell

Will he come or won't he? South Tyrol's ice hockey fans have been asking themselves this question repeatedly in recent weeks. Now, HCB Südtirol Alperia has officially announced the signing of goaltender Louis Domingue. The 34-year-old arrives in the provincial capital with a remarkable resume.

July 31, 2026

From: dl

HC Bolzano filled its final open roster spot – player-wise – on Friday morning: Louis Domingue is the Foxes' new starting goaltender. The Canadian boasts an impressive 151 NHL games on his resume. Domingue had long been considered the top candidate for the goaltending position in Bolzano, before a Scandinavian goalie was briefly linked with the team. Ultimately, the deal with their preferred goalie was finalized.

HC Bozen has pulled off a real transfer coup: Domingue brings 14 years of professional experience to Galvani Street. The Foxes can therefore count on a goalkeeper of international caliber between the pipes next season.

A real coup!

“From the very first moment, I had the feeling that this club is built on passion, tradition, and the will to win. That's why the decision was easy for me. After speaking with the management and getting to know the club's culture better, my family and I knew that Bolzano is where we want to be,” explained Domingue.

Louis Domingue has played 151 NHL games. © Hartford Wolf Pack

As a free agent, Domingue began last season in the KHL with the Russian club Sibir Novosibirsk. However, due to family reasons, he returned to North America in November and joined the Florida Panthers organization. He played 14 games for their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Now he's making the move to Bolzano: "I'm coming here with a clear goal: to do everything in my power to help this team compete for the title," said the 6'3" (1,91 m) tall player.

New coach “in the next few days”

However, with just under two weeks until HC Bozen's preseason training camp begins in Corvara, it remains unclear who the new coach will be. Recently, there has been much speculation about a returning coach, with Greg Ireland's name repeatedly mentioned. The fact is, time is running out. As HCB announced on Friday, the new coach is expected to be presented "in the next few days."

The Bolzano squad for the 2026/27 season:

Gate: Louis Domingue (new), Marco Costantini (new)

Defense: Enrico Larcher (confirmed), Carmine Buono (new), Teemu Kivihalme (new), Noah Frick (new), Zac Leslie (new), Blake Hillman (new), Jackson van de Leest (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)