Even the demoted Enrico Miglioranzi will be asking himself: Quo vadis, HC Bozen? © HCB

Comment | Bolzano needs to change – and it needs to change now.

HC Bolzano has been eliminated from the ICE Hockey League playoffs. That wouldn't be a disgrace, were it not for the dark clouds gathering over the provincial capital. The once-glorious club is putting its future at risk. A commentary.

March 23, 2026

Whether league titles, cup wins, or international trophies – no ice hockey club in Italy has even come close to winning as much as HC Bolzano. But the treasure trove of trophies on Galvanistraße has long since gathered dust. The old luster is crumbling away like plaster on the facade of past triumphs.

The reason: Bolzano's winning formula no longer works. It lacked sustainability, instead offering a ruthless, short-term path to titles, triumphs, and glorious hockey nights. These were a constant feature of the three decades that Dieter Knoll has been at the helm. But the seeds of quick success – they are no longer bearing fruit. And this has been the case for quite some time.

The team structure has broken down.

Bolzano has always had shining stars and skating virtuosos in its ranks, but behind them, there has always been a solid foundation – mostly made up of local players – that weathered even turbulent times. This foundation, however, has shattered spectacularly. Firstly, because established pillars (Miglioranzi, Vallini, Frigo, Marchetti) or those who could become pillars (Larcher, Brunner) were ignored and demoted by coach Doug Shedden. Secondly, because no new components had been added to this supporting structure in previous years – even though suitable connecting pieces were already available.

Young players like 21-year-old Enrico Larcher need to be developed. © HCB

Countless players from all over the country, all in their early twenties, have come and gone in Bolzano over the years. Some couldn't or wouldn't make it. Most, however, had the potential to hold their own in the ICE Hockey League, but never received a lasting opportunity. The coaches were only focused on short-term success – because no long-term plan was in place from above. Young players were thus driven away and burned out. Trust? Non-existent. Development? Hardly possible.

The result: a roster that, with an average age of 29,41 years, is the oldest in the league, bloated with 18 foreign-born players. No other club used so many overseas imports. They were outnumbered by only seven Italian players, most of whom were unsettled and frustrated by their limited ice time. There was no balance whatsoever.

No more "business as usual"!

The club management's argument that there isn't enough suitable player talent in the country is only partially true. HC Pustertal has the same structural problems, but still gives young local players key roles in their lineup amidst all the imported players – and is reaping the rewards.

In Bolzano, the core of the team not only needs a refresh but also urgently needs to be expanded. HCB has only two options this summer: either invest money to lure back players currently playing abroad from Italy, or focus on young players who might not be ready today, but could be tomorrow. Such players certainly exist in the Bolzano area: Noah Fricks, Alex Curtis, Thomas Galimbertis, Nicolò Remolatos, and Nathan Garaus. They would all need a great deal of trust and time. Both of these have been lacking for young players so far, because everything has been subordinated to the pressure to succeed.

Club boss Dieter Knoll needs to find new ways of doing things – otherwise he too will eventually lose his enthusiasm for HCB: © HCB

In Bolzano, only one thing counts: victories. And that will remain the case. This city demands playoff hockey, and its club needs good foreign players. However, during what is now the longest title-less period in the club's history, HCB fans have become quite resilient and perhaps even more patient. Even among the most loyal supporters, a unified opinion has formed: no more "business as usual"!

Time is running out

Because everyone has probably noticed: dark clouds are gathering over the Bolzano basin. On the one hand, HC Pustertal is investing heavily to enhance the appeal of its ice hockey location. On the other hand, Milan, another potentially financially powerful rival, is pushing into the league. And then there's new legislation that will soon restrict dual citizenship and simultaneously reduce the number of available Italian players. All these factors paint a clear picture for the local player market: the pool of talent is shrinking – and the price for the big fish is rising accordingly.

It's high time for a change of course at HC Bozen. Away from short-term glory, towards sustainable development. Because if not now, when?