Jakob Rabanser ended his career. © Iwan Foppa

At 26 years old: Jakob Rabanser ends his career

A bombshell in the South Tyrolean ice hockey scene: Goalie Jakob Rabanser has ended his career at the age of only 26.

August 11, 2026

From: dl

Rabanser announced this on his Instagram page. The 2,05-meter-tall goalie was a reliable mainstay for the Wipptal Broncos in the Alps Hockey League for many years before suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the summer of 2024, which sidelined him for the entire season. Last summer, Rabanser moved to HC Pustertal in the ICE Hockey League, where he played nine games as a backup and impressed.

“Life doesn’t always go as planned. Hockey was a huge part of my life for many years. There were unforgettable moments, successes, friendships, and memories that will last forever. But there were also disappointments. Moments when I wasn’t treated fairly. Decisions and situations that I questioned for a long time,” the Brixen native wrote in his social media post.

Jakob Rabanser guarded the goal of the Wipptal Broncos for a long time.

Rabanser continued his emotional farewell with the following words, among others: "At 26, this chapter ends earlier than I ever imagined. But I don't leave with bitterness. I leave with gratitude, with trust, and with the belief that everything happens for a reason. Thank you, hockey. For everything." He added that ice hockey had taught the former Broncos youth player important values ​​such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.