Dieter Knoll, boss of HC Bozen, has now spoken out. © det

Reprimand for the coach: The Bolzano boss speaks out.

The sting is still very much there for HC Bozen after their bitter quarterfinal exit in the ICE Hockey League. On Friday afternoon, club president Dieter Knoll spoke out for the first time – and he didn't mince words.

March 20, 2026

From: det

After heroic victories, Bolzano's club president Dieter Knoll likes to conclude his interviews with the words: "I'll sleep well tonight." Well, this time the Bolzano powerhouse and driving force is likely to have anything but a restful night. His HCB is playing on Thursday in Quarter-finals ended in crushing defeat and suffered one of the most painful defeats in its ICE Hockey League history. Olimpija Ljubljana won the series 4-1, sending HCB, who were considered one of the top title contenders before the season began, into the summer break.

In the cabin area, after the Tears of disappointment flowed after a 1:4 defeat on Thursday. Captain Daniel Frank struggled for words in the mixed zone. His boss, Knoll, didn't even show up there, but he did address the HCB community on Friday afternoon – a few hours after the bitter defeat – with an open letter.

Under fire: Bolzano coach Doug Shedden.

It's clear from these words that the sting runs deep for Knoll. But it's not just the sporting aspect that's upsetting the Bolzano boss. An action by coach Doug Shedden is also unacceptable to Knoll. When Bolzano's elimination was sealed after the final buzzer, the coach immediately left the ice – thus refusing to shake hands with the opposing team. This handshake is an unwritten rule in ice hockey after every playoff series and is considered a matter of sportsmanship. Shedden disregarded this.

"For HCB, fairness and respect towards the opponent are top priorities." Dieter Knoll

“We would like to make it clear that – even though we understand the disappointment after the game – we do not share Coach Doug Shedden’s decision not to participate in the traditional handshake. As HCB, fairness and respect towards the opponent are always our top priority, and these values ​​must never be lacking,” said Knoll.

Plain speaking and a look ahead

The club boss also chose strong words for his team. "We had expected significantly more from these playoffs and are by no means satisfied with our elimination – especially given the manner in which it happened," said Knoll, who described it as a strange and intense season. Knoll explained, "We achieved our initial goals: direct qualification for the playoffs, a top-six finish, and a place among the top four."

At the same time, he emphasizes: "On the other hand, we have to consider everything: the dips in performance during the playoffs and in other important games this season have cost us dearly." Now Knoll wants to analyze exactly what went wrong. He also promises: "The first important decisions will be made in the coming weeks."

The letter from Dieter Knoll in full

Dear fans, dear supporters, dear backers of HCB, we are all naturally very disappointed with this end to the season. We had expected significantly more from these playoffs and are by no means satisfied with our elimination – especially given the way it came about.

It was a peculiar season. The schedule was more intense than ever before. From the mid-August training camp to the Champions Hockey League with three away games in Scandinavia, to the numerous appearances of many players with the Italian national team, who participated in every training camp and even gained Olympic experience – virtually without interruption for the last seven months. The team repeatedly demonstrated its high quality, which was also underscored by a very strong CHL campaign, but lacked consistency in the league.

Setting aside the disappointment for a moment, we can still say that we achieved our initial goals: direct qualification for the playoffs, a top-six finish, and a top-four place. From this perspective, the overall result is certainly positive. On the other hand, we must consider everything: the dips in performance during the playoffs and in other important games this season have cost us dearly. The club will also need to analyze where the main problems and mistakes lay at all levels.

Nevertheless, we would like to congratulate Olimpija Ljubljana on this achievement. The team has shown throughout the season that it plays at a very high level, and we knew they would be among the toughest opponents in the playoffs. Furthermore, we would like to make it clear that – while we understand the disappointment after the game – we do not agree with Coach Doug Shedden's decision not to participate in the traditional handshake. As HCB, fairness and respect towards the opponent are always our top priorities, and these values ​​must never be compromised.

Looking ahead, we have already embarked on a path together with all our employees that should lead us into the next season better prepared and with greater awareness – also thanks to the insights gained from recent months and, more generally, from past seasons. The first important decisions will be made in the coming weeks.