HCP parted ways with one of its best strikers. © Iwan Foppa/HC Pustertal

Squad shake-up in the Pustertal: 4 players leave

HC Pustertal has entered the next phase of its squad planning and is facing a personnel shake-up. The club parted ways with several players on Thursday.

April 24, 2025

From: do

In the past few days, HC Pustertal has confirmed the whereabouts of goalkeeper Eddie Pasquale and star players Mikael Frycklund announced. Furthermore, the departure of Andy Bernard was confirmed, who will be replaced between the sticks by youngster Jakob Rabanser. This means that the Wolves are only at the beginning of their squad planning for next season – especially since the departure of four players was announced in Bruneck on Thursday. Tommaso Traversa, Alex Petan, Josh Wesley, and Brett Findlay will no longer be playing for the South Tyrolean ICE club next winter.

Findlay, in particular, will be sorely missed at the Intercable Arena. The Canadian, who once caused a sensation at HC Bozen, moved from Bratislava to the Pustertal Valley in the summer and blossomed into an absolute key player. In 45 games this season, the center scored 19 goals and 24 assists (43 points). The 32-year-old also delivered a strong performance in the playoffs, scoring 6 points in 8 games. As one of the league's best technicians, he consistently posed a significant goal-scoring threat – something the HCP will now miss.

Alex Petan is also leaving. © Markus Ranalter

Wolves fans probably feel the same way about Petan. The winger, who boasts years of experience in the ICE Hockey League, is leaving Bruneck after two seasons. This season, the Italian-Canadian scored 34 points, leaving the team without another reliable point scorer – even though he did decline in the second half of the season and missed five playoff games due to injury.

With Wesley's departure, the club also needs to recruit new blood in defense to fill the gap created. High hopes had been placed on their expected number one defender in Pustertal – expectations the 1-year-old couldn't always fulfill. His time with the Black and Yellows was marked by insecurities and inattentiveness that repeatedly set him back. He and Traversa, who always gave his all in the Wolves' kit, are packing up their tents in Bruneck after just one year.

Replacement is needed

The departure of these four players could therefore herald a turning point for HC Pustertal. It's now up to Patrick Bona and Co. (Sporting Director) to replace quality with even more quality if the Wolves want to achieve their goals next season. One thing is certain: A lot of things are about to change in the Pustertal.

The club said goodbye to its now former players on social media with the words: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the quartet for their exemplary performance in the Wolves jersey and wish them all the best for the future!”