HC Pustertal has made a splash in the transfer market. © Leevi Järvi

Pustertal transfer hit: Damian Clara's teammate arrives

Now the transfer summer has really begun: HC Pustertal announced its first foreign signing on Wednesday.

28 April 2025

From: det

In recent days, HC Pustertal has caused a stir with several signings, including goalie Eddie Pasquale. Now the Wolves are presenting their first "new" face for the upcoming ICE Hockey League season: With the arrival of US player Austin Rueschhoff, HCP has landed a big fish on paper.

The 27-year-old striker comes directly from the Finnish top league, where he laced up his skates for Kärpät last winter. Kärpät? Wasn't there something? Exactly! That's the club where Damian Clara was between the goals in the season finale. South Tyrol's biggest ice hockey gem skated alongside Rueschhoff for a few weeks.

Two meters tall and weighing 104 kilograms

The American can look back on a successful season in the far north. Rueschhoff scored 60 points in 30 games. With 17 goals, he was the team's second-best scorer. Previously, the US player played in his home country, playing in the AHL, where he played 218 games over four seasons and scored 85 points. Rueschhoff's physical dimensions are particularly astonishing: He is two meters tall and weighs 104 kilograms, providing considerable water displacement on the ice.

“We want to build a culture of success.” Austin Rueschhoff

Austin Rueschhoff is looking forward to his adventure in the Pustertal Valley. "With HCP, I've chosen a club that has a unique history and is very ambitious. I've heard from former players how passionate the fans are, which is why I'm extremely motivated to give my all for this fan base in every game. We want to build a culture of success and go as far as possible! I'm looking forward to the Pustertal Valley!"