Big HCB report card, part 1: From Irving to Wiercioch

By Martin Straudi and Alexander Foppa

Leland Irving: 9 Even in the second season in Bolzano, he was incredibly consistent and decisive in many games. Hardly has any dropouts or weak games, plays extremely compactly, allows virtually no usable rebounds and is probably the best goalkeeper in the league with his catching hand. His spectacular saves alone are sometimes worth the price of admission. The numbers also speak for themselves: almost 2% catch rate in the regular round, around 93% in the pick round and a sensational 94% in the playoffs, plus 96,3 shutouts – an outstanding season for the goalkeeper.

Justin Fazio: 7,5 Only used in 8 games, half of them during Bolzano's winning streak in the pick round (4). In this important phase - although thrown into the deep end - he impressed with flawless performances, which meant he played a major role in the final successful run. We think it's pure luxury as a backup.

A luxury as a backup: Justin Fazio. © Vanna Antonello

Tim Daly: 6,5 In Denmark he made a name for himself as a spectacular offensive defender and the league's highest-scoring defender. There was little of this to be seen in Bolzano. He seemed rather timid going forward, but after initial phases of weakness, he was rock solid at the back and developed a congenial tandem with Dennis Robertson.

Brett Flemming: 7,5 After an injury, he needed some time to get going in the regular season, but then he became one of the main reasons for the HCB's recovery. Great defensive support, very physically present and an important puck distributor in the power play. Didn't disappoint in his second guest appearance in Bolzano - on the contrary.

Daniel Glira: 6 Not an easy season for the Pusterer. He showed flashes of his potential again and again, but he still has room for improvement, especially defensively, and because of the lack of consistency he often only came into play as the 7th defender. Compared to his – admittedly strong – teammates in defense, he falls a little behind. He now also has a lot of EBEL experience under his belt.

Stefano Marchetti: 6,5 Plays unobtrusively, largely flawlessly and stands his ground even in important moments; Does what he has to do in defense - nothing more and nothing less. Very important as a leader on the ice and in the dressing room, after 3 years at HCB it is impossible to imagine the defensive team without him.

Dennis Robertson: 7,5 As an AHL winner, he came to Europe with a lot of praise, but initially had to struggle with adjustment problems. However, the Canadian really grew into the team and the championship over the course of the season and impressed with his intelligent, straightforward game. He was particularly worth his weight in penalty killing and was also the highest-scoring defender in the Foxes' ranks.

Ivan Tauferer: 7,5 In his first full season in the HCB jersey, the Rittner turned out to be a strong player with good positional play. Still up and down under Beddoes, he became a guarantee after Ireland's arrival. In the first block at Wiercioch's side he was no longer recognizable: suddenly consistent like a Swiss clock, without mistakes and therefore more confident from game to game and with an ever-expanding chest.

Kevin Spinozzi: 6 Nobody will label him as a bad purchase, but he wasn't really convincing either. After declining form, he had to vacate his place in the squad for Wierioch. A points-related change that was unavoidable for HCB boss Dieter Knoll given the possibility of signing a caliber like Wiercioch.

Patrick Wiercioch: 8 The star of the rock-solid Bozen defense line. Came to South Tyrol during the season and initially seemed sluggish and stiff in the hips, but this changed completely as the season progressed. A feast for the eyes to watch: far too good as a skater and technically for the league, his game-opening passes are a real treat for every ice hockey connoisseur. A quiet leader who, with an average of 21,20 minutes per game, was on the ice more than any other HCB crack and also impressed with his instinct for goal in the season finale.

Here you can find the second part of the big HCB report card, in which the strikers and coaches were evaluated.

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. Klagenfurt	47	183:101	102
2. Fehervar	46	146:126	89
3. Salzburg	46	142:107	87
4. HCB South Tyrol	46	137:125	76
5. Linz	46	146:116	75
6. Villach	46	155:136	74
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Big HCB report card, part 1: From Irving to Wiercioch

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