The defender (left) remains a wolf. © Domen Jancic

The defender remains in the Wolves pack

HC Falkensteiner Pustertal's roster planning is expected to be completed before the end of July. This includes today's contract extension for the defense. Following Hasler's premature retirement, the HCP defense includes the following players: Glira, Zanatta, Di Tomaso, Blum, Lauridsen, and the defender confirmed today.

July 23, 2025

From: pm

The 27-year-old American Austin Osmanski was drafted by Buffalo in 2016 and came to Bruneck via the North American AHL and ECHL. In his first European season, he recorded seven points for the Wolves. As a typical stay-at-home defenseman, Osmanski was already assigned more defensive duties – and this will continue to be the case. As the championship progressed, his confidence and stability increased, especially in the perimeter around his own net.

The number 36 jersey of HC Falkensteiner Pustertal once again belongs to team player and hard worker Austin Osmanski. The Wolves are planning to use several young prospects for their back line during the preseason.

“I really wanted to return”

Osmanski's statement: "I really wanted to return to HCP to pick up where we left off last season. Playing for you was something truly special, something I've never experienced before. The atmosphere in the playoffs has always accompanied and motivated me over the past few months, which is why I can hardly wait to return to the Pustertal and start preseason training. I'm looking forward to a familiar environment and want to remain a Pusteria player for a long time to come!"

Statement from Jason Jaspers: "Austin struggled a bit at the beginning, but improved as the season progressed and was our best defender in the playoffs. He had the most blocked shots and hits on the team and did the dirty work that perhaps many don't see. We're very excited to continue working with Austin on his skills and making him better. He will be a very important part of our defense!"

The current squad of HC Pustertal:

Gate: Eddie Pasquale, Jakob Rabanser (new)

Defense: Daniel Glira, Luca Zanatta, Austin Osmanski, Greg DiTomaso (new), Jonathon Blum (new), Markus Lauridsen (new)

Attack: Raphael Andergassen, Ivan Deluca, Mikael Frycklund, Matthias Mantinger, Tommy Purdeller, Fabian Gschliesser, Alex Ierullo (new), JC Lipon (new), Austin Rueschhoff (new), Nick Saracino (new), Luciano Zandegiacomo (new), Alan Lobis (new), Henry Bowlby (new), Cole Bardreau (new)