Story Summary
HC Lugano have announced two roster moves for next season, signing SCL Tigers forward Dario Allenspach to a two-year contract and extending defenceman Santeri Alatalo for one year with an option for a further season.
Allenspach, 24, will leave the SCL Tigers after his third season with the club and move to Ticino. He has five goals and seven assists through 19 games this season, and was recently selected for the national team for the first time.
Lugano sports director Janick Steinmann said Allenspach’s continued development, experience and style of play would be valuable to the club’s future roster and dressing room. Steinmann also described Alatalo as one of Lugano’s leaders and an important asset both as a player and a person.
Key Facts
- HC Lugano have signed 24-year-old Dario Allenspach to a two-year contract for next season.
- Allenspach will leave the SCL Tigers after his third season with the club and move to Ticino.
- Allenspach has recorded five goals and seven assists in 19 games this season.
- Allenspach was recently called into the national team for the first time in his career.
- Santeri Alatalo has signed a one-year contract extension with Lugano that includes an option for one additional season.
- Defenceman Alatalo has one goal and eight points in 18 games this season.
IHM Discussion
The announcements give Lugano a blend of new blood and continuity. Allenspach arrives following a productive opening to the season and his first national-team recognition, while Alatalo’s extension retains an experienced defenceman whom Steinmann considers a leader within the squad.
Allenspach’s move is also a clear change of club after three seasons with the Tigers. Lugano are adding a player Steinmann believes has improved year on year, rather than simply pursuing a short-term statistical boost. The club’s description of his value points to both his on-ice qualities and his place within the wider roster.
Alatalo’s agreement is structured differently, with one confirmed year and an option for another. That gives Lugano a defined commitment while leaving open the possibility of extending the relationship beyond the initial term.
Why It Matters
Lugano have addressed two separate roster needs in one announcement: bringing in a 24-year-old player whose season has earned national-team selection, and keeping a current leader on the blue line.
Allenspach’s 12 points in 19 appearances provide a concrete marker of his present form. Alatalo, meanwhile, has eight points in 18 games from defence. His extension ensures that a player Lugano regard as a major presence remains part of the club’s plans for next season.
Mini Q&A
How long is Dario Allenspach’s contract with Lugano?
Allenspach has agreed a two-year deal with HC Lugano for next season.
What are Allenspach’s statistics this season?
He has five goals and seven assists in 19 games.
What is the term of Santeri Alatalo’s extension?
Alatalo has signed for one year, with an option for a further season.
What Comes Next
Allenspach is set to complete his third season with the SCL Tigers before joining Lugano next season. Alatalo’s additional contract option remains a future decision for the club.