This is the new man at HCP. © MoDo Hockey

HC Pustertal signs an ice hockey star

On Tuesday, HC Falkensteiner Pustertal filled their second-to-last foreign player position with a center forward from Canada who possesses special qualities.

June 16, 2026

From: leo/pm

The roster of this year's finalist is taking increasingly concrete shape: Following the signing of Gerry Fitzgerald, it now comprises eleven forwards, four defensemen, and two goaltenders. Only a few final touches from sporting director Patrick Bona are needed before the team can begin its sixth season in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL).

The 1,75-meter-tall Fitzgerald possesses refined technique, excellent scoring instinct, and is also distinguished by his skating abilities. Alongside Cole Bardreau, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, and Luke Moncada, he is the fourth natural center on the Black and Yellows' roster and likely the last import forward.

He already knows many of his teammates.

The 32-year-old hails from the Canadian west coast and made his professional debut in 2018 after playing for Bemidji University for four years. He played a total of 123 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Iowa Wild and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. During this time, he also encountered numerous future HCP stars: Greg Carey, Gustav Bouramman, and Reece Willcox.

Gerry Fitzgerald joins HCP. © MoDo Hockey

In 2020, he took the plunge and moved across the Atlantic, signing with Västerviks IK. He then stayed for five more seasons in Sweden's second-highest league. From Västerviks, he moved to Björklöven, AIK, and finally MoDo. Two other familiar faces from HCP, Zach Budish and Ole Andersen, shared the locker room with him in Sweden. He played 286 games in the HockeyAllsvenskan, racking up 233 points. Now he's expected to make waves in the Puster Valley attack.

"I have heard a lot about the incredible atmosphere and the passion of the fans here in Bruneck." Gerry Fitzgerald

“The opportunity to play in the Puster Valley and become part of a community that lives and breathes ice hockey was extremely appealing to me,” Fitzgerald is quoted as saying. “HCP has an excellent reputation, a passionate fan base, and is making a huge effort to rebuild a competitive team, which has impressed me greatly. My goal is to help the team win games in any way I can. Personally, though, I want to deliver a consistent performance in every game and be a good teammate. I’ve heard a lot about the incredible atmosphere and the passion of the fans here in Bruneck, which is why I’m really looking forward to playing for you Puster Valley fans.”

“We are very excited about Gerry, who we have had on our radar for some time. He will make a very important contribution to the power play, has a great shot, and is an excellent skater who always puts the team first. He has proven that he is good for a lot of goals and points and will integrate perfectly into our team with his attitude,” emphasizes coach Jason Jaspers.