The new Foxes defender has what it takes to be a star. © CityPress/PM HCB

Son of NHL Titan: Bolzano's new player with a big name

HC Bozen has struck again in the transfer market – and signed a player who brings a big name to the Talfer city.

June 10, 2025

From: det

For a long time, HC Bozen has kept quiet about new signings. But now, within a few days, the Foxes have landed two big fish. Last week, Bozen announced the signing of Shane Gersich, who once won the Stanley Cup – the NHL. Now comes 33-year-old Philip Samuelsson, a defenseman who has also played in the world's best league – and whose father is a true NHL legend.

Philip Samuelsson is the son of Ulf Samuelsson, who played more than 1.200 NHL games during his career and won the Stanley Cup twice. Ulf was considered one of the most feared defensemen, receiving more than 16 penalty minutes in almost each of his 100 NHL seasons. In 2002, the Swede was ranked #XNUMX in a poll conducted by the US television network ESPN voted 4th among the “dirtiest professional athletes of all time.”

Father and son: Philip Samuelsson (right) with his famous father Ulf. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / RICHARD WOLOWICZ

While his son, Philip Samuelsson, also offers a strong physical presence (1,88 meters, 88 kilograms), he is not considered a roughhousing player. The 33-year-old, who holds both US and Swedish passports, is credited with excellent stick technique and strong positional play. Samuelsson played a whopping 563 games in the American Hockey League (163 points) and also had a taste of the NHL. The new Bolzano native played a total of 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Arizona Coyotes.

Philip Samuelsson in the Arizona Coyotes jersey. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / CHRISTIAN PETERSEN

Samuelsson is very familiar with European ice hockey, having made 155 appearances in the Swedish top league and most recently playing in Germany. In 2022, the defenseman joined the Fischtown Penguins, and for the past two years he has defended for the Straubing Tigers, including appearances in the Champions Hockey League and the Spengler Cup. Now, Samuelsson, who was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, has landed in Bolzano – and certainly brings star potential.

“Italy has always been a place I wanted to play” Philip Samuelsson

After signing his contract, Samuelsson was quoted by the club as saying: "Italy has always been a place I wanted to play. Bolzano is a club with a great tradition, and I am grateful to be able to wear this jersey next season.

The current squad of HC Bozen:

Gate: Sam Harvey

Defense: Dylan Di Perna, Scott Valentine, Philip Samuelsson (new)

Attack: Dustin Gazley, Daniel Mantenuto, Brad McClure, Matt Bradley, Bryce Misley (new), Shane Gersich (new)