Pascal Brunner: "I want to take the next step"

After the right winger could not agree on a contract extension with HCB Südtirol Alperia, he joined EHC Chur.

After graduating from secondary school, Brunner moved to Switzerland and at the age of 14 continued his training to become a professional ice hockey player in the youth program of HC Davos. The grandson of the long-time president of HC Meran, Hansjörg Brunner, and son of former Italian national forward Markus Brunner, spent six years in Switzerland, where, after two and a half seasons with the SC Bern U20 team, he eventually landed at EHC Visp and made his debut in the Swiss League (second division).

In the summer of 2022, "Paschi" returned home, played in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) with his hometown club HC Meran, and got his first taste of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). He donned the HCB jersey 13 times, the same club his father Markus had won the championship with in the 1995/96 season. For the next three seasons, Brunner Junior was a regular member of the "White and Reds," playing a total of 171 games. At the same time, the 2023 World Championship participant also frequently helped out HCM.

Decided against HCB's offer Brunner also had an offer from HCB for the upcoming season, but opted to return to Switzerland, where he doesn't count against the foreign player quota since he spent five years in Swiss youth hockey. "I want to take the next step in my career in Chur and finally make my breakthrough," the power forward hopes. "Unfortunately, HC Bozen promised me more than they ultimately delivered." Pascal Brunner A decisive factor in his move to Graubünden was the two von Arx brothers, Reto and Jan, who are not only co-owners but have also been coaches at EHC Chur for the past five years. "Reto and Jan, who was my U17 coach in Davos for two years, contacted me every summer to ask if I'd like to move to Chur. But I wanted to stay in Bolzano because I'd grown attached to the team and the fans. Unfortunately, I was promised more than was ultimately delivered. That's why it's time for a new challenge," the physically strong forward is convinced.

The man from Merano has nothing but good memories of Switzerland. After all, he learned a lot there and became more independent. He knows not only the two coaches from Chur, but also several players with whom he played in his youth. He was particularly impressed by the EHC's project, which focuses on the promotion and development of young players. Incidentally, Matthias Rehmann, also from the Puster Valley, holds the position of Sporting Director for Youth Development at Chur.

Brunner will travel to Chur on Sunday with all his belongings and begin preparations with his new team on Monday for the upcoming Swiss League season, which starts on September 17th. Two weeks prior, the 30-time Italian national player will return to Merano as an opponent, participating in the 6th "Hansjörg Brunner Memorial" from September 4th to 6th.

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Pascal Brunner: "I want to take the next step"

For Pascal Brunner, things have come full circle. The 24-year-old striker from Merano will be back in Switzerland next season, hunting for goals.

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