Story Summary
The Vienna Capitals have moved on the transfer market to cover injury absences in goal, signing Sweden’s Adam Reideborn to a short-term contract running until mid-October. The 34-year-old left-catching netminder brings extensive experience from the SHL, KHL and Swiss NL and is due to join the team in Vienna immediately, with the club expecting him to be available for the upcoming fixture against HK Dukla Trenčín.
Key Facts
- Adam Reideborn, 34, has signed a contract with the Vienna Capitals valid until mid-October.
- Reideborn is a left-catching goaltender.
- He has played 189 SHL games, 154 KHL games and 116 National League (Switzerland) games.
- Reideborn has 16 appearances for the Swedish national team.
- He won two KHL championship titles during his career.
- In the last three seasons Reideborn played for SC Bern.
- At the 2021 World Championship he played five games with a 94.6% save percentage.
- He was part of Sweden’s Olympic squad the following year (Beijing) but did not see game action.
- The Capitals signed Reideborn after Sebastian Wraneschitz and Max Zimmermann suffered different lower-body injuries.
- Wraneschitz has been dealing with a persistent lower-body problem since the second training week; no concrete return date is available.
- Zimmermann sustained a minor lower-body injury the day before a preparation match against KAC; he is improving and has begun light training.
- Dolezal said the signing gives the injured goaltenders time to build back towards match fitness while ensuring the Capitals are ready for the start of the season.
IHM Discussion
Vienna’s decision to bring in Adam Reideborn is a pragmatic short-term response to a sudden shortage in goal. The Capitals have lost the availability of both Sebastian Wraneschitz and Max Zimmermann to lower-body injuries at a delicate point of pre-season. Reideborn’s record – 189 SHL games, 154 KHL games, 116 Swiss National League games, 16 appearances for Sweden and two KHL titles – brings considerable experience between the pipes.
A contract running until mid-October gives the club time to manage the recoveries of its injured goaltenders without rushing either player back. Reideborn also arrives after three seasons with SC Bern and said he has kept fit and spent time on the ice, although he had not yet trained with the Capitals when the move was announced.
The club has presented the move as both protection for the injured players and a way of ensuring it is ready for the season start. Dolezal said Vienna could not afford to take risks and that Reideborn’s arrival would give Wraneschitz and Zimmermann the time they need.
Why It Matters
With two goaltenders unavailable, Reideborn gives Vienna an experienced option for the start of the season. The short-term arrangement allows Wraneschitz and Zimmermann to continue their respective recoveries and build-up work without being rushed back into action.
Mini Q&A
Who have the Vienna Capitals signed to cover their goalkeeper injuries?
They have signed Swedish goaltender Adam Reideborn on a contract running until mid-October.
What experience does Reideborn bring to Vienna?
Reideborn has played 189 SHL games, 154 KHL games and 116 games in Switzerland’s National League, has 16 appearances for Sweden, and won two KHL titles.
Why did the Capitals recruit a new goaltender?
Both Sebastian Wraneschitz and Max Zimmermann are sidelined with separate lower-body injuries, leaving the club short on fit goalkeepers for the start of the season.
When could Reideborn be in goal for the Capitals?
He is scheduled to arrive in Vienna on Friday and is expected to be in the squad for Saturday’s game against HK Dukla Trenčín.
How long is Reideborn’s deal with the Capitals?
The agreement is a short-term contract that lasts until mid-October.
Coach Mark Comment
Reideborn’s immediate challenge will be building communication with a new defensive group after arriving without a team practice behind him. His experience should help, but the Capitals will need clear, uncomplicated organisation in front of him while the injured goaltenders complete their return to fitness.
What Comes Next
Reideborn is due to arrive in Vienna on Friday and is scheduled to play against HK Dukla Trenčín on Saturday. His contract runs until mid-October.
IHM Final View
The Vienna Capitals have addressed an immediate need in goal with a temporary addition. Reideborn brings extensive experience, while the deal gives Wraneschitz and Zimmermann time to recover and prepare for a return to match fitness.