What's happening in Bruneck? The Wolves' next top import

HC Falkensteiner Pustertal is gearing up for the upcoming ICE Hockey League season. On Friday, the Wolves announced their next top import from overseas. The new signing brings NHL experience to Bruneck.

July 18, 2025

From: cst

Cole Bardreau is the new man who is expected to make a splash in attack at HC Pustertal. The 31-year-old American comes to Bruneck from the Bridgeport Islanders – the New York Islanders' farm team – and is an absolute top transfer. Bardreau has played 535 times in his career in the American Hockey League (AHL), scoring 216 points. At Bridgeport, the offensive lineman was one of the leading figures as an assistant coach. He is now expected to take on this role at HC Pustertal as well.

"Reece Willcox is one of my best friends and highly recommended HCP to me. He told me how passionate the fans here throughout the valley are about HCP and what the club means to the city," emphasizes Bardreau. "I come from a background where it's been difficult to win recently, which has been very draining for me. Because, in the end, winning is what we all enjoy most in hockey. Accordingly, I will do everything in my power to ensure that we are successful together and win as many games as possible."

Eleven appearances in the best league in the world

Bardreau not only has extensive experience in the AHL. In the 2019/20 season, the US player made ten appearances for the New York Islanders in the NHL, scoring one goal (on a penalty shot) and providing one assist. In 2023, he made another appearance for the Islanders in the world's best league.

Cole Bardreau brings NHL experience. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AL BELLO

"Everyone described Cole to us as an incredible leader," says coach Jason Jaspers. "He brings a wealth of experience from major leagues, which will be of great value to our team. He's a typical two-way center who takes his responsibilities both offensively and defensively very seriously. I'm really looking forward to Cole."

Bardreau is HCP's next top signing. Defenseman Jon Blum has 122 NHL appearances to his name. Last week, the Wolves unveiled their dream defenseman in Danish player Markus Lauridsen, and they also acquired an experienced and highly skilled forward in JC Lipon. Austin Rueschhoff fits the same mold, and the Wolves were also able to retain starting goaltender Eddy Pasquale.

The current HC Pustertal squad

Gate: Eddie Pasquale, Jakob Rabanser (new)

Defense: Daniel Glira, Luca Zanatta, Greg DiTomaso (new), Jonathon Blum (new), Markus Lauridsen (new)

Attack: Raphael Andergassen, Ivan Deluca, Mikael Frycklund, Matthias Mantinger, Tommy Purdeller, Fabian Gschliesser, Alex Ierullo (new), JC Lipon (new), Austin Rueschhoff (new), Nick Saracino (new), Luciano Zandegiacomo (new), Alan Lobis (new), Henry Bowlby (new), Cole Bardreau (new)