Cole Hults played for HC Bozen last year.

Career over? Former Bolzano player causes a stir

Cole Hults played for HC Bozen for a total of two years, with a break in between, before joining the Vienna Capitals in the summer along with his brother Mitch. Now the younger of the two is causing a stir in Vienna.

16 January 2026

From: dl

As the ICE Hockey Club announced on social media, Cole Hults has informed the Capitals that he wishes to at least pause his career, with retirement also being a possibility. The club has accepted the 27-year-old's wish, and his contract was terminated by mutual agreement on Friday. The American will leave the Austrian capital for home in the coming days.

“Cole’s sudden request surprised us, as there had been no indications of this in recent months. Ultimately, we have to accept this situation. I wish Cole all the best for his future,” explained Christian Dolezal, Sporting Director of the Vienna Capitals.

Cole Hults played a total of 36 games for the Vienna team, scoring four goals and providing 15 assists. His older brother Mitch, who also played for HC Bern, remains on the team's roster. Cole Hults played for HC Bolzano in the 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons.