The Foxes' new signing arrives as a newly crowned champion. © Matthäus Kostner

From the IHL to HC Bolzano: His rise knows no end

This Friday morning, HC Bozen presented their first defenseman for the new season. He is a champion from Val Gardena with a very special career.

June 19, 2026

From: fop

The new addition to HCB Südtirol Alperia is Carmine Buono – and he's already a familiar face in local ice hockey. At 29, the Italian-Canadian has made the jump to the ICE Hockey League for the first time.

Buono hails from British Columbia in western Canada. After years in the provincial league there and further seasons in North American university championships, he took the plunge and crossed the Atlantic in 2021. Following a year in the second French league, he landed with HC Eppan in the Italian Hockey League. What followed was a pure success story. In 122 games with the Pirates, Pergine, and HC Aosta, he amassed 167 points – as a defenseman.

"The World Cup showed me that I am competitive even at the highest level." Carmine Buono

This is how HC Gherdëina became aware of the left-handed shooter, with whom Buono continued his unstoppable rise in the 2025/26 season. It culminated in a sensational championship title. With 38 points in 60 games, the defenseman played a crucial role in this success.

Suddenly on the ice with superstars

But that wasn't all: After the huge title celebration in Wolkenstein, Buono also got to go to the World Championship with Italy. Suddenly, the former IHL player was on the ice alongside superstars like Sidney Crosby and Macklin Celebrini. Now Buono not only wants to make his mark in the ICE Hockey League, but also earn more appearances for the national team with HC Bolzano.

Carmine Buono (right) played in his first Ice Hockey World Championship with Italy in May. © ANSA / ANTHONY ANEX

Buono himself says: “In recent years, I have developed a great deal as a player. The World Championship was an enormous experience for me because it showed me that I am competitive even at the highest level. I feel like I have taken a big step forward and learned what it takes to be successful against top international players. I am very much looking forward to this next step in my career.”

Incidentally, Carmine Buono's brother, Christian Buono, who is three years younger, still plays in the IHL today. He played for Varese last season. However, he will likely never experience such a meteoric rise as his brother.

HC Bozen – Squad 2026/27:

Goalkeeper:
Defender: Carmine Buono (new)
Striker: Brad McClure (confirmed), Cole Schneider (confirmed), Cristiano DiGiacinto (confirmed), Dustin Gazley (confirmed), Daniel Gellon (new), Isaac Ratcliffe (new), Nicolò Remolato (new)