Story Summary
Moser Medical Graz99ers could soon welcome back Kevin Roy and Nico Brunner after another defeat to HC Falkensteiner Pustertal in the sides’ second league meeting of the season. Head coach Dan Lacroix had a stronger group available than previously, but Graz were still without several players.
Roy has returned to team training and is expected to come back in the coming days. Brunner, 34, could make his return to the reigning ICEHL champions’ squad next week.
Lenz Moosbrugger is set for a longer absence with a shoulder injury, while goaltender Maxime Lagacé and Tim Harnisch were also unavailable, alongside Roy and Brunner, for the Pustertal game.
Key Facts
- Head coach Dan Lacroix’s Graz99ers lost again to HC Falkensteiner Pustertal in the teams’ second meeting of the season.
- Kevin Roy is training with the Graz99ers and is expected to return in the coming days.
- Nico Brunner, 34, could return to Graz’s squad next week.
- Lenz Moosbrugger faces a longer absence because of a shoulder injury.
- Maxime Lagacé, Nico Brunner, Kevin Roy, Tim Harnisch and Lenz Moosbrugger were unavailable for the Pustertal game.
- Graz are continuing their search for defensive reinforcement, with sporting director Philipp Pinter reportedly having scouted in Slovakia.
IHM Discussion
The immediate story for Graz is the prospect of getting two unavailable players back into the group. Roy’s return to team training is the clearest available progress marker, while Brunner’s possible return next week would further improve the options available to Lacroix.
That does not remove every concern. Moosbrugger’s shoulder injury is expected to keep him out for longer, and the club are still looking to add a defenceman. Graz therefore remain in a period of managing absences while seeking extra depth.
Why It Matters
Graz are the reigning champions, and the possible returns of Roy and Brunner would reduce the number of unavailable players following the latest loss to Pustertal. At the same time, Moosbrugger’s longer-term injury and the ongoing search for a defenceman mean the squad situation remains unsettled.
Mini Q&A
Who could return for the Graz99ers?
Kevin Roy is training with the team and is expected back in the coming days, while Nico Brunner could return to the squad next week.
Which Graz player will be out longer?
Lenz Moosbrugger is expected to be sidelined for longer because of a shoulder injury.
What Comes Next
The next checkpoint is Roy’s expected return in the coming days. Brunner could then be back in the Graz squad next week, while the club’s search for a defenceman remains ongoing.