Daniel Frank is exploring new paths away from the ice rink.

After Bolzano elimination: Daniel Frank has had enough of ice hockey

What's Daniel Frank up to? For months, it was the most frequently asked question in South Tyrolean ice hockey – until HC Bolzano provided clarity: His time with the Foxes is over. Now, the long-time captain himself is drawing a definitive line under his career. However, a reunion with HC Bolzano is possible.

July 20, 2026

The relationship between HC Bozen and Daniel Frank provided ample material for a TV soap opera this summer. On the surface, everything seemed perfect, but behind the scenes, wild rumors swirled. Would he stay with his beloved club? Did they even still want him? And if so, in what role? Now the romance is over. The Foxes and their long-time fan favorite are parting ways.

Daniel Frank defined an era at HC Bolzano. He was the only player to remain loyal to the club from its entry into the EBEL until today. In those 13 years, he amassed two championship titles, played 715 games, and recorded 166 points – and above all, won the hearts of the Bolzano fans. He was never the most prodigious hockey talent, but he demonstrated how, with willpower, heart, and passion, one can reach the very top. Now he leaves Bolzano as a club legend.

"The club acted with complete transparency." Daniel frank

But where is Daniel Frank going? The answer is simple, but significant: "Into retirement," says the 32-year-old. SportNewsHe also reveals to readers why: "I have dedicated my life to ice hockey, given it my all. For years. Now the time has come to step down."

HCB boss Dieter Knoll and Daniel Frank parted ways amicably. © HCB

But the truth is, this particular moment wasn't entirely voluntary. At HC Bozen, his beloved club, he was no longer envisioned to play a central role. "But I don't hold any grudges. We were in close contact for weeks, and the club acted with complete transparency. I expressed my ideas, and the club management presented their plan in the same way." Frank emphasizes that club boss Dieter Knoll treated him "like a gentleman." "Something has developed between us over the years that goes beyond just the sport."

A return in a different role?

Statements like these suggest that the long-time captain of HC Bozen might be moving into a different role. He could join the club's management team; talks are said to have already taken place. However, Frank is cautious: "It won't happen that quickly. I love this club, the Sparkasse Arena is my home. That will remain the case. But right now, I need a break from competitive sports."

“Ice hockey in Merano is important to me, so of course I think about it.” Daniel frank

There's something that's been on Frank's mind these past few weeks: HC Meran. "Ice hockey in my hometown is important to me, so of course I'm thinking about it," says Frank, who lives with his girlfriend in Untermais, just a stone's throw from the MeranArena. "But I'm someone who does things completely or not at all."

The Merano native has long since dedicated himself to a different project – one that involves ice, but not ice hockey. "Together with a friend, I founded a company that produces ice cubes," he reveals. For this purpose, the two have rented a warehouse in Sinich, supplying the food retail and hospitality industries far beyond the regional borders. It's a full-time job that would have been virtually impossible to combine with another season as a professional ice hockey player anyway.

Daniel Frank was the only two-time ICE Hockey League champion on the Bolzano roster. © HCB

Frank is currently experiencing peak season at his new workplace – and yet his thoughts keep drifting back from the ice cubes to the ice. "The second championship title with Bolzano. From last place to total triumph, and then this incredibly awesome team," he raves with a smile. "My teammates back then Alexander Egger and Trent Whitfield have shaped me."

Of course, there were also some very bitter moments. "Incredibly bitter ones, in fact, like the lost seventh final game against Salzburg," recalls the longest-serving HCB player. "But that's ice hockey, that's life: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose." The important thing, according to Frank, is "to always get back up and look ahead." That's exactly what the Bolzano club legend is doing now. He's looking ahead – to a new chapter. One with ice, but without ice hockey. At least for now.