Dieter Knoll at the lectern. © DL/LO

HCB boss Knoll: “We have brought in real hockey players”

Next Friday, HCB Südtirol Alperia kicks off the new season with an away game in the Champions Hockey League. HCB CEO Dieter Knoll introduced the Foxes' new team during Media Day and got chatting.

August 21, 2025

From: dl

"I'll keep it brief today," were Knoll's first words to the media representatives present late Thursday morning at the Sparkasse Arena. In the end, the 73-year-old chatted to the assembled audience for over half an hour. It's clear from the charismatic HCB boss that ice hockey is still his great passion. Knoll spent most of his time talking about his summer transfers.

"We tried to bring in players with experience in Europe. The North American market has become more difficult for us because a lot of money is flowing there. We tried to strengthen the team, especially physically. Therefore, most of the new recruits are tall and physically robust—real hockey players. We suffered in this area last year against Salzburg," explained Knoll.

“We tried to strengthen the team, especially physically and in terms of leadership qualities.” Dieter Knoll

The head of HC Bolzano explained his comments in more detail: "We also tried to bring in players who have already won something and know how to play in the playoffs. These include Brett Pollock and Cole Schneider. They have leadership qualities. Behavior off the ice has become increasingly important. How does a player behave in the locker room, is he sociable and a team player, or how much alcohol does he consume?"

Knoll emphasized that they couldn't afford to send more than one player home during the season. They also tried to strengthen the defense. Bozen now relies on four foreign players, instead of three as in the previous year. The Foxes also acquired a talented player in Enrico Larcher. The 21-year-old could also play frequently for HC Merano in the AlpsHL this year.

New South Tyrolean in sight

According to Knoll, this shouldn't happen often with Pascal Brunner anymore: "He's made progress and should definitely play for us now." Meanwhile, Bozen has set his sights on Jakob Fuchs. The 21-year-old from Vinschgau made his breakthrough with Merano last season, scoring 29 points, and according to Knoll, could make a few appearances for Bozen this season. He has already participated in the training camp in Corvara.

HC Bozen has its eye on Meran's Jakob Fuchs. © BK Photo

Knoll seems particularly impressed by Mark Barberio: "This isn't an everyday signing for Bolzano. He's a true professional." The 35-year-old played 281 times in the NHL and was captain of top Swiss club HC Lausanne from 2020 to 2022. The new HC Bolzano's motto is clear: more physicality and more leadership.