Pascal Brunner will likely not skate at the Bozber ice rink again. © SN

HC Bozen: Brunner leaves, change of course for the goalkeeper

It's a desperate search for the final piece of the puzzle: HC Bozen is still without a goalie. However, the search is now nearing its end. Meanwhile, it's also clear that Pascal Brunner will no longer play for the Foxes.

July 26, 2026

From: fop

For months, speculation has been rife: Will Pascal Brunner stay with HC Bolzano or will he leave? The Merano-born forward has just turned 24, is considered one of South Tyrol's most talented ice hockey players, and has been playing for the Foxes since the summer of 2023. However, he hasn't yet become a key player. And he won't, at least not for the time being.

Brunner will leave Bolzano after three seasons, 161 games, and 14 points in white and red. Although HCB offered him a new contract after the season ended, Brunner reportedly insisted on guaranteed playing time and ultimately preferred a move abroad. His destination: Switzerland. The tall forward spent years developing there (Davos, Bern, Visp), which is why he holds a Swiss playing license and is therefore not considered a foreign player. Most recently, second-division team EHC Chur is said to have expressed strong interest.

Goalie search changed

Bolzano loses an interesting prospect, but remains nominally well-positioned. The Foxes have 13 forwards under contract. Brunner's departure and the end of Daniel Frank's career This effectively increases the playing opportunities for South Tyrolean newcomers Daniel Gellon, Nicolò Remolato, and Jakob Fuchs. HCB's defense is also complete.

Louis Domingue is no longer a top transfer target for Bolzano. © Syracuse Crunch

The final piece of the puzzle is missing in the most crucial position of all: the goaltending position. Backup Marco Costantini is to be joined by a well-known number one. Initially, the focus was on NHL veteran Louis Domingue, but his prospects have since declined. HC Bolzano also has another goaltender in its sights on the Scandinavian market. However, no details are forthcoming from Galvani Street – nor are the names of potential coaching candidates.

No coach in sight?

Besides their first-choice goalie, Bolzano is also looking for a successor to head coach Doug Shedden. A former HCB coach is reportedly among the shortlisted candidates. One thing is certain: at least one of these two positions should be filled by the end of this week, especially since they want to launch their new season ticket campaign by then. A high-profile signing would give it an extra boost.

Approximately 75 kilometers further east of the state capital, in Bruneck, Meanwhile, the personnel planning has long since been completed.HC Pustertal can sit back and wait for the official announcement of the complete game schedule. This is planned for Monday afternoon.

The Bolzano squad for the 2026/27 season:

Gate: Marco Costantini (new)

Defense: Enrico Larcher (confirmed), Carmine Buono (new), Teemu Kivihalme (new), Noah Frick (new), Zac Leslie (new), Blake Hillman (new), Jackson van de Leest (new)

Attack: Brad McClure (confirmed), Cole Schneider (confirmed), Cristiano DiGiacinto (confirmed), Dustin Gazley (confirmed), Matt Bradley (confirmed), Luca Frigo (confirmed), Daniel Mantenuto (confirmed), Bryce Misley (confirmed), Daniel Gellon (new), Isaac Ratcliffe (new), Nicolò Remolato (new), Turner Elson (new), Jakob Fuchs (new)