Scott Valentine is moving from Bolzano towards Milan. © Vanna Antonello

Is Milan fishing in South Tyrolean waters?

It was a bombshell at the start of the week: HC Milano is joining the ICE Hockey League. Now, the fashion capital is working hard on its new roster – and the local ice hockey scene is watching with bated breath.

June 04, 2026

From: fop

The fact is: with Milan, Italian ice hockey has regained an absolute traditional home, one with a glorious past and great appeal. Whether this sleeping giant will awaken, however, remains to be seen in the coming weeks.

Firstly, HC Milano's support from the large Milanese ice hockey fan base is not yet guaranteed. Representatives of the active fan scene are hoping to learn more precise details about the project soon. Secondly, the composition of the roster is crucial for the success of Milan's comeback, and work on this is proceeding at full speed.

Partner club in Switzerland

These efforts are being directed by the crypto investment firm House of Doge and Sterzing club president Christof Leitner. However, the real power brokers behind the scenes are former Bolzano coach and current player agent Pat Curcio, designated sporting director Viktor Szelig, and consultant Chris McSorley. McSorley is the coach and manager of Swiss second-division champions HC Sierre, with whom Milan will be working closely in the future.

Milan will likely make their first signings from their partnership with the Valais club. Young Italian internationals Niccolò Mansueto and Pietro Albis Olmo played for Sierre last season and could gain valuable playing experience south of the border. Furthermore, Milan continues to search for Italian talents currently playing in Switzerland.

"So far, everything is going fairly." HCP sports director Patrick Bona

And in South Tyrol? Milan's transfer activities are sometimes watched very closely there. Because one thing is clear: the pool of local players and Italian talent is small. "Competition is good for business, that's just how it is," says Pustertal's sporting director, Patrick Bona. "Whether player salaries will increase as a result of Milan's entry into the league remains to be seen." So far, Milan hasn't approached any player with whom Pustertal is in negotiations or who has indicated their intention to stay in Bruneck. "Everything is being handled fairly so far," says Bona.

HC Pustertal, however, had already taken precautions and assembled the majority of its roster before Milan's official entry. The club management has already officially confirmed some of these signings, and more will follow in the coming days.

National team player Matt Bradley does not yet have a new contract. © ANSA / CYRIL ZINGARO

The situation is different in Bolzano. So far, they have only announced contract extensions for Brad McClure and Cole Schneider. While it's safe to assume that other players will remain (Enrico Larcher, Daniel Mantenuto, Bryce Misley), others could succumb to the lure of Milan.

A decision is still pending regarding Bolzano's first-line forward Matt Bradley, as well as Cristiano DiGiacinto. Pascal Brunner is currently deciding between staying with the club and moving to Switzerland. All three are national team players. HC Milano could approach any of them, just as they did with Scott Valentine. The veteran defenseman is no longer a guaranteed starter at HCB – which makes him attractive to their new rival. Talks are underway.

First deals are finalized

Diego Cuglietta, who was a key point scorer for the Ritten Buam in the Alps Hockey League for the past two years, could also be making the move from South Tyrol to Lombardy. Former Merano player Nick Rein, Asiago forward Nicholas Porco, and national team goaltender Jake Smith (most recently in France) are also reportedly on Milan's shortlist. Former Bolzano player Giordano Finoro (most recently in Scotland) and national team player Gregorio Gios (Asiago) have already signed.

Incidentally, a familiar face is also being considered for the coaching position: last year's Bolzano coach and Curcio's friend, Doug Shedden. Whether he or someone else gets the job – the coaching appointment will likely be the first thing to be decided. The first new faces of HC Milano are expected to be presented in the next few days. Then, South Tyrol will certainly be watching closely.