Daniel Glira will lead the Puster Valley team onto the ice as captain. © Iwan Foppa / HCP

A true Puster Valley native becomes Puster Valley captain

HC Pustertal kicks off the new season on Friday with a home game against the Graz99ers. The Wolves have now announced their captaincy decision.

September 16, 2026

From: det

For the past four years, Raphael Andergassen led HC Pustertal onto the ice as captain. However, the 33-year-old forward left in the summer to return to his hometown club, Kaltern. Therefore, the big question was: Who would be the new captain?

HCP has now revealed its secret. Next season, Daniel Glira will wear the "C" on his jersey – making him a true Puster Valley native. The 32-year-old hails from Toblach and has played no fewer than 583 games for his Wolves. His time with HCP was only interrupted by a four-year stint with HC Bozen, with whom Glira won the championship in 2018.

Purdeller and Lauridsen are the assistants

Glira, as captain, will be supported by two assistants. The choice fell on a youngster and a true veteran: Tommy Purdeller and Markus Lauridsen will wear the "A" on their shirts. The 22-year-old Purdeller (who hails from Montal) is the HCP's rising star, having been named the ICE's best junior player for the past two years and considered the poster boy of the Puster Valley team.

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Lauridsen is currently the oldest Pustertal field player (only goalie Eddie Pasquale is older). The 35-year-old Dane has already participated in twelve World Championships, played in two Olympic Games, and won the German Championship in 2018. His experience and composure are invaluable to HC Pustertal.