Daniel Mantenuto will also play for Bozen next season. © Vanna Antonello

A big fighter's heart for Bolzano: Mantenuto remains

Daniel Mantenuto was a positive surprise in his first season with HC Bozen. The Italian-Canadian has now been given a contract for the new season.

31 May 2023

From: det

The jump from the Alps Hockey League to the ICE Hockey League is not an easy one. But Daniel Mantenuto managed it without any problems. Last summer, the Italian-Canadian came to the South Tyrolean capital from Asiago and fit seamlessly into the Foxes squad.

The 25-year-old center from Ontario impressed with great commitment, speed and cleverness. He was also mostly used in the power play and also made his substitutions when he was outnumbered. It was no coincidence that he took third place in the “Prize for Fighting Spirit – Gino Pasqualotto” competition, which honors players who have proven themselves through fighting spirit, commitment and loyalty to the club. In the end, Mantenuto had 67 points in 27 games, including seven goals and 20 assists.

Daniel Mantenuto stays at HC Bozen. © Vanna Antonello

The fact that Mantenuto, who came to Europe for the first time in 2020 and played two seasons for Asiago, has taken a big step forward in Bolzano was shown by his performance at the recent B World Championships in Nottingham. In the five games with Italy he scored seven points, including three goals and four assists. This made him - together with Luca Frigo - the Blue Team's top scorer. Now, unsurprisingly, Mantenuto's contract with HC Bozen has been extended by one year.

“The atmosphere at the games is incredible.” Daniel Mantenuto

“Playing in Bolzano was a fantastic challenge,” said Mantenuto, “the fans, the area, the city, make it special to play there. The atmosphere at the games is incredible, you can feel on your skin at every moment what passion there is in Bolzano for this sport and this jersey.”

The Bolzano squad now includes five players: In addition to Mantenuto, the working papers of Dustin Gazley, Brad McClure, Mike Halmo and Scott Valentine have already been extended.