HC Pustertal has presented the new coach.

A former NHL player on the HCP gang

In recent weeks it has been announced that Kasper Vuorinen will not be returning to HC Pustertal. Now his successor has been chosen: He is only 43 years old, has impressive references and knows European ice hockey inside out.

10 Maj 2024

From: leo/pm

The Wolves are entering their fourth season in the ICE Hockey League. The euphoria after reaching the semi-finals can still be felt in the Intercable Arena. In order to be at the forefront in the new season, HC Pustertal has signed a well-known coach. The Wolves' new trainer answers the name Jason Jaspers.

The trained striker has a strong playing career in the NHL, AHL, the Canadian junior national team and, last but not least, 13 seasons in the DEL. As an experienced center forward, he directed the game in Mannheim (champions in 2007), Nuremberg and Cologne, among others. In the autumn of his career, the now 43-year-old set up his tents in Iserlohn, Berlin and Wolfsburg. At the age of 38, the Canadian from Thunder Bay (Ontario) hung up his skates and, after a year off, joined the traditional Danish club Esbjerg Energy.

Jaspers was already in Bruneck

“As a newcomer, he not only managed to achieve good results, but also continuously supported and improved several players and the entire team,” writes HC Pustertal in a press release. After the first two years in Denmark, Jaspers worked out a new contract and finally made it from fifth place after the regular season to a thrilling final series. Sonderjyske around ex-HCP defender Matt Spencer then defeated Jaspers' team in six games.

Now the hungry trainer at HCP wants to take the next step. Jason Jaspers has already had the opportunity to get an idea of ​​Bruneck. Intercable Arena, fitness rooms, offices and getting to know employees and the city were on the program at the beginning of May, emphasize the Wolves.

Jason Jaspers (left) played in the best leagues in the world.

“We have met with Jason Jaspers several times and are convinced of his commitment,” says sports director Patrick Bona. “He belongs to a modern generation of coaches and therefore knows what makes young players tick. The experience is right, Jason has played in clubs at the highest level and recently delivered a strong performance as a coach.”

Jaspers is happy about the new adventure in South Tyrol: “After meeting Patrick Bona and watching a few games from last season, I immediately knew that I fit in here. The fans, the club and the local structures are first-class and made the decision very easy for me. I’m thrilled and really looking forward to accompanying the Wolves on their journey as head coach and getting started with my work.”