Kurt Kleinendorst hasn't had an easy time. © Thomas Hahn

The Bolzano coach: A stroke of fate brings him here

Kurt Kleinendorst has already won several titles as an ice hockey coach, working in many leagues and countries – and in the future, he will do so at HC Bozen. Before taking up his position, he granted us an exclusive interview that suddenly took an unexpected, emotional turn.

June 03, 2025

As a SportNews When I reached Kurt Kleinendorst by phone a few days ago, he was sitting in his car on a highway in his hometown, in the northern US state of Michigan. "We have great distances here, which isn't like in Europe. So we have plenty of time to talk," he began the conversation.

Kurt Kleinendorst even took so much time that, in addition to ice hockey topics, many personal matters were also discussed. The 64-year-old recounted sad losses, time off, a planned new beginning, and confidential one-on-one conversations during his recent visit to South Tyrol.


Mr. Kleinendorst, you were in Bolzano a month ago to sign the contract. What was your impression?

"So I was already familiar with Bolzano and South Tyrol, so it's not new territory. When I signed my contract, I had several meetings, including with my assistant Fabio Armani, to whom I assign an important role. I also sat down with Daniel Frank for about an hour. I was immediately impressed by him. That's exactly the kind of personality every coach wants as captain."


Why did you already know South Tyrol?

"I was a guest at the Eiswelle with Manchester Storm in the late 90s, and I also participated in a preparatory tournament in Bolzano with Nuremberg in 2019. I liked the city and the surrounding area so much that some time later, during an international break, I spent a vacation here with my wife."

Kurt Kleinendorst has signed a contract with HCB boss Dieter Knoll until summer 2026.

What draws you to Bolzano for work?

"There's a sporting answer to this question: I finally want to win titles again, and I see that opportunity in Bolzano. Then there's a second aspect, which I attribute to a personal stroke of fate."


Would you like to tell us about it?

"On December 17, 2019, something dramatic happened in our family: My brother Scot, himself a former successful NHL professional, left home early in the morning, dressed in his work uniform and carrying a lunchbox, and never returned. He died in a work-related accident. I had a very close bond with him, and it took a long time to get over it. At some point, I said to myself: 'Look how quickly it can all be over. Take control of your life and enjoy it.' I've lived by that motto ever since. I want to learn something new every day, see and experience new things. That's why I've now chosen Bolzano, a new country, a new league, a new adventure."

“There are more important things than ice hockey: family” Kurt Kleinendorst

You haven't coached a team since your dismissal from Iserlohn in October 2022. Why?

"I love ice hockey; this sport is my life. But there's something even more important: family. One of my wife's parents, who has since sadly passed away, was seriously ill during this time. I put everything aside to be there for my family. That was very important to me."


Has there been contact with HC Bozen in the past?

"Yes, regularly, in fact. Over the past summer, I've been in constant contact with people from the HCB environment. We discussed a possible coaching position, but primarily I've been helping with player placement."


Speaking of player placement: What are you currently looking for?

"We're perfectly placed in goal with Sam Harvey, and we're looking for new recruits in all other positions. I'm in daily contact with Dieter Knoll, other managers, and agents. It's not about names, leagues, or statistics. We've developed a clear player profile and are searching in parallel. The important thing is that the new players have to fit in terms of character. To determine that, we need to have many discussions with potential new signings."

“I am not Glen Hanlon, but Kurt Kleinendorst” Kurt Kleinendorst

Did you have contact with your predecessor Glen Hanlon?

"No, I don't see any reason to contact him either. I know Glen from back in the NHL; he was my brother Scot's teammate on the New York Rangers. He's a great person, a man with a wealth of experience. I watched his work in Bolzano very closely and can say he did a lot of things right. However, I'm not Glen Hanlon, I'm Kurt Kleinendorst. I'm following in big footsteps, but I'll forge my own path."


How would you describe yourself as a coach and as a person?

"Kurt Kleinendorst, the coach, and the person, are one and the same. I'm someone who's all about progress. I want to see development, I want to take steps forward. That counts for life off the ice, but also for the game itself. I want my team to continue to develop. We can only be successful and compete for titles if we improve throughout the season. That's what it's all about."

Ice hockey coach Kurt Kleinendorst enjoys his job. © Thomas Hahn / Eibner-Pressefoto

You coached absolute superstars in the NHL, and later spent years touring the DEL. What do you take away from that time?

"In New Jersey, I was able to work with great hockey players as part of a coaching team, but later, in 2011, winning the AHL as head coach with Binghamton was even more rewarding. Nowhere else is it more difficult to become a champion than in North America's second division. Basically, nobody wants to play in that league; everyone wants to be in the NHL. You have to keep players happy, shape them, and be successful at the same time. My time in Germany had a huge impact on me later on as a person. I not only broadened my horizons in terms of hockey, but I literally discovered a new world. I love Europe."


What will you love about Bolzano in the future?

"I already love the club, the city, the country. But what I'm most looking forward to is playoff hockey, that thrilling feeling of do-or-die games. Until then, however, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. So it's time to roll up our sleeves and get going."