Max Oberrauch is no longer the coach of HCP Junior. © HC Pustertal Junior

Coaching change in Bruneck: Max Oberrauch speaks out

At the end of March, HCP Junior, under coach Max Oberrauch, won their first IHL Division I championship. At the beginning of June, the Bruneck-based club announced that they would be moving up a league – to the IHL. This move will take the younger sibling of HC Pustertal without their successful coach. We spoke with Oberrauch about the reasons.

August 03, 2026

From: dl

The Bruneck club legend and the HCP Junior held talks about a contract extension. Ultimately, however, nothing came of it. "We had different ideas about the future. For family and professional reasons, the additional commitment would have been almost impossible for me to manage. The difference between the two leagues is enormous. My enthusiasm was somewhat tempered. That's why we parted ways in the end," Oberrauch explained. SportNews-Demand.

Nevertheless, Oberrauch looks back fondly on his two years as head coach of HCP Junior: "It was a fantastic experience that I wouldn't want to miss for anything. We had a great team spirit and a wonderful group of players. Winning the championship was a huge highlight." What the future holds for Oberrauch is unclear: "I definitely want to stay involved in ice hockey. If something comes up in the future, I'll be happy to hear about it."

"We had different views on the future." Max Oberrauch

As a player, Oberrauch was a true legend of HC Pustertal. In his 16 years with the Wolves, he played 722 games and scored 301 goals. Back then, the Black and Yellows still played in Serie A, later the Alps Hockey League. From 2021 to 2023, Oberrauch finished his playing career with HC Gröden. For the past two years, the now 42-year-old has been the head coach of HCP Junior in the IHL Division I, leading them to a runner-up finish and a championship title.

Former Toblach coach is coming

As HCP Junior announced, Sami Tuomisoja will take over from Oberrauch. The 32-year-old Finn coached HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites in the IHL last season before the club withdrew from the league. "The club is convinced that with Sami Tuomisoja we have found the right coach for the path we have chosen. Together, we aim to continue the successful development of recent years and sustainably promote the next generation of players," the newly promoted team wrote on its social media page.