HC Bozen has signed a striker who is a points-producing force. © Fredrik Hagen

A champion maker: Bolzano's crowning transfer deal

HC Bozen's roster has been complete since Thursday! The Foxes rounded off the season with a striker that few expected, yet one that shows great promise.

July 31, 2025

From: det

The rumor mill has been buzzing at HCB Südtirol Alperia in recent days. There was one last piece missing from the otherwise complete Bolzano roster, and this one had the potential to become a big star. Will it be former number 5 pick Michael Dal Colle? Will it be two-time Swiss champion Mark Arcobello? Or perhaps Peter Abbandonato, who had an outstanding season in Finland?

Now it is clear: No, none of these names will be wearing the white and red in the future. Sporting director Dieter Knoll conjured up Cole Schneider namely, a striker out of the hat that no one had expected. Yet he boasts a highly interesting resume. More than 800 appearances and almost 600 points in the American Hockey League – that's a big number and shows that the 34-year-old US player is a model of scoring consistency.

He swept everything in Norway

What may have particularly impressed sporting director Knoll was last winter. Schneider made the jump to Europe for the first time in the summer of 2024, signing with Storhamar in the Norwegian top league. And in Scandinavia, the goalie swept the board. With 64 points (33 goals, 31 assists) in 45 games, Schneider became the regular season's top scorer and led his team to the championship title with another ten points (five goals, five assists) in the playoffs. In short: Schneider was the league's best player and made Storhamar the champion.

Schneider led the Norwegian club Storhamar to the championship title. © Fredrik Hagen

The American (1,84 meters, 88 kilograms), who was apparently also courted by Klagenfurt, is described as a versatile forward who can play both in the center and on the wings. The US native played six NHL games for the Buffalo Sabres in his career, but has permanently established himself a league lower in the American Hockey League. Binghamton, Rochester, Milwaukee, Hartford, Texas, and Chicago – Schneider has toured the AHL landscape. He also demonstrated leadership qualities and frequently served as captain or assistant captain.

“Ever since HCB became an option, the club has been at the top of my list.” Cole Schneider

Now, Schneider's Bolzano chapter begins. "It's hard to put into words how happy my family and I are to become part of the reality in Bolzano," explains Schneider. "Ever since HCB became an option, the club has been at the top of my list. You'd be crazy to turn down an offer from a team with such a passionate fan base in such a beautiful city. I've already played with and against some of my new teammates, and it's clear how competitive we can be. The goal? To give it our all to win the championship."