Bolzano's new towering forward is leaving North America for the first time. © PM HCB/Milwaukee Admirals

A former NHL giant is joining HC Bolzano

HC Bozen is now getting serious on the transfer market: The Foxes presented their next new signing this Thursday morning – and at the same time the biggest player in their ICE history.

June 10, 2026

From: fop

HCB Südtirol Alperia has, according to Daniel Gellon, his second new signing for the 2026/27 season: Isaac Ratcliffe is moving to Europe for the first time in his career and will wear the Foxes jersey in the future.

The 27-year-old Canadian brings a wealth of experience from North America to South Tyrol. The forward played 333 games in the American Hockey League (AHL), accumulating 113 points. He also played ten games in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers, recording four points.

Biggest Bolzano ICE player ever

At 198 centimeters tall, Ratcliffe is not only a physically impressive player, but also the tallest player ever to have played for HC Bern in the EBEL and ICE Hockey League eras. The powerful winger is considered a dangerous presence in front of the net and a tough opponent in battles for the puck.

Last season, Isaac Ratcliffe played 61 games for Milwaukee in the AHL (24 points). © PM/Milwaukee Admirals

“I’m very excited to be joining the Foxes. I’ve heard so many great things about the team, the city, and the fans,” said Ratcliffe. He was particularly impressed by the winning mentality in Bolzano: “I know how important it is to win and be competitive. That’s exactly what drives me.”

10 games, 4 points in the NHL

Ratcliffe was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 35th overall. After successful years in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm – including a championship title in 2019 – he made the jump to the professional ranks. He made his NHL debut in January 2022, and a few weeks later scored his first and only goal in the world's best league against the Detroit Red Wings.


After a trade, Ratcliffe joined the Nashville Predators organization in early 2023 and most recently played for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL. Now, the Canadian is taking the step across the Atlantic for the first time and starting a new chapter in his career in Bolzano.

HC Bozen – Squad 2026/27:

Brad McClure (confirmed)
Cole Schneider (confirmed)
Daniel Gellon (new)
Isaac Ratcliffe (new)