Tag: ICEHL

Clayton Kirichenko sidelined for months

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HK Olimpija Ljubljana have suffered a major injury setback, with Canadian defenceman Clayton Kirichenko ruled out for several months with an upper-body injury.

Kirichenko has undergone surgery and faces an extended recovery and rehabilitation period. The 30-year-old right-shot defenceman had made a productive start to the current ICEHL season, recording one goal and one assist in his first two league appearances.

Key Facts

  • Clayton Kirichenko will miss several months for HK Olimpija Ljubljana because of an upper-body injury.
  • The Canadian defenceman has undergone surgery and will begin a longer recovery and rehabilitation period.
  • Kirichenko played 43 regular-season ICEHL games in 2025/26, producing one goal and 15 assists for 16 points.
  • He opened the current ICEHL campaign with one goal and one assist in two appearances.
  • Across his ICEHL career, Kirichenko has played 95 games and registered 12 goals and 47 assists for 59 points.
  • With Pioneers Vorarlberg in 2023/24, he led all ICEHL defencemen with 41 points.

IHM Discussion

Kirichenko’s absence removes a proven offensive contributor from Olimpija’s blue line. His early return of two points in two games followed a 16-point regular season in 2025/26, while his wider ICEHL record underlines the level of production Ljubljana are losing.

The defenceman’s 2023/24 campaign with Pioneers Vorarlberg, when he topped ICEHL blue-liners with 41 points, remains the clearest illustration of his ability to contribute in attack from defence. Surgery and a rehabilitation period mean Olimpija will be without that element for an extended spell.

Why It Matters

Olimpija are losing a right-shot defenceman who has supplied offence consistently in the ICEHL. Kirichenko’s absence comes after a sharp start to the new league season and leaves the club without one of its important attacking defencemen for several months.

Mini Q&A

Why is Clayton Kirichenko unavailable?

Kirichenko has sustained an upper-body injury, undergone surgery and is facing several months out during his recovery and rehabilitation.

What did Kirichenko produce last season?

He recorded 16 points, made up of one goal and 15 assists, in 43 regular-season ICEHL games in 2025/26.

How did he begin the current ICEHL season?

The right-shot Canadian defenceman posted one goal and one assist in his first two ICEHL games.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is Kirichenko’s recovery and rehabilitation following surgery. He has been ruled out for several months.

Luca Erne set for Black Wings Linz season debut

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Luca Erne is set to make his season debut for Steinbach Black Wings Linz in Wednesday’s away game against FTC Telekom Budapest at Tüskecsarnok. The forward has been sidelined since sustaining a shoulder injury during pre-season.

Linz travel to Hungary after a narrow 4-5 defeat to Pustertal, their second away game of the campaign. Head coach Philipp Lukas said his side must produce a better start, maintain its intensity for the full 60 minutes and improve its discipline after two third-period penalties proved costly against the Wolves.

The game is Linz’s first meeting with Budapest this season. FTC have one win and two defeats from their opening three league matches, while Erne’s return provides Linz with a timely addition for another road test.

Key Facts

  • Luca Erne will play his first game of the season for Steinbach Black Wings Linz against FTC Telekom Budapest after a shoulder injury suffered in pre-season.
  • The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 30 September, at 18:30 at Tüskecsarnok.
  • Linz enter the game after a 4-5 defeat to Pustertal on Sunday.
  • Trenton Bliss and Niklas Würschl scored Linz’s two power-play goals against Pustertal.
  • Julian Pusnik remains unavailable, while Domenic Burghard has travelled to Hungary with the team.
  • FTC Telekom Budapest have one victory and two losses from three ICE Hockey League games.
  • Budapest lost 3-5 to Laibach and 3-6 to Red Bull Salzburg, before beating league newcomers Milan 3-0 at home.
  • Kristof Nagy recorded his first shutout of the season in Budapest’s win over Milan.
  • Carter Savoie leads Budapest’s internal scoring after posting five points in his first three games.
  • Rasmus Heljanko has scored twice in his first three appearances for Budapest.

IHM Discussion

Erne’s return is the principal positive for Linz as they seek a more complete performance on the road. Lukas’ assessment of the Pustertal defeat was clear: his team did not consistently play to its intended standard and undermined itself with penalties in the final period.

That makes the Budapest fixture a useful immediate test of Linz’s response. The power play supplied two goals against Pustertal through Bliss and Würschl, showing that the side had an effective attacking element even in defeat. The greater requirement, according to Lukas, is to match that execution with readiness from the opening shift, intensity and better discipline across the full game.

Budapest have had mixed results early in the season. Their 3-0 win over Milan demonstrated the value of their experienced goaltending duo of Nagy and Bence Balizs, while Savoie has made a fast start following his arrival. Linz will also face former teammate Brady Shaw, who left Budapest for the Upper Austrian club after being one of FTC’s leading performers last season.

Why It Matters

The match gives Linz an immediate chance to address the specific shortcomings identified after Pustertal: slow stretches of play and avoidable time in the penalty box. Erne’s first appearance of the season adds a returning player to the travelling group, but the team’s focus remains on delivering a disciplined 60-minute display.

For Budapest, this is another opportunity to build on the clean-sheet victory over Milan. The hosts retained their experienced goaltenders while adding younger players, including early contributors Savoie and Heljanko, after finishing 11th with 57 points last season.

Mini Q&A

Why has Luca Erne not played this season?

Erne had been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during pre-season.

When do Black Wings Linz play FTC Telekom Budapest?

The ICE Hockey League game is scheduled for Wednesday, 30 September, at 18:30 at Tüskecsarnok.

Who is unavailable for Linz?

Julian Pusnik remains unavailable, while Domenic Burghard has travelled with the team to Hungary.

How have Budapest started the season?

FTC Telekom Budapest have one win and two defeats from three league games, including a 3-0 victory over Milan.

Coach Mark Comment

Linz’s clearest coaching priority is not to chase the game emotionally if momentum turns. Lukas has identified starts, intensity and third-period discipline as connected performance standards: a team that establishes its pace early is better placed to avoid the reactive penalties that damaged its effort in Pustertal. The two power-play goals are encouraging, but five-on-five discipline must support that special-teams threat.

IHM Final View

Erne’s return gives Linz welcome positive news before its first league meeting of the season with Budapest. Yet the defining issue is straightforward: after a close defeat in Pustertal, Linz must translate periods of good work and a productive power play into a more disciplined, full-game road performance.

Antonitsch: Capitals have laid foundations for a push

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Sam Antonitsch believes the Vienna Capitals have done the work needed to kick on this season. The 30-year-old winger, entering his tenth campaign in the win2day ICE Hockey League with more than 400 games under his belt, says the club has strengthened in the off-season and that the arrival of Mike Stewart as head coach gives the team a platform to aim higher. After improving steadily through last season – finishing seventh in the regular season – the Capitals suffered a bitter exit in the pre-playoffs, losing a best-of-three affair to Fehérvár. “It was very bitter that we lost in the pre-playoffs. In a best-of-three format, that can happen quickly,”Antonitsch said, underlining the motivation to avoid that route this time and to reach a best-of-seven series instead.

Management added reinforcements over the summer, bringing back forward Konstantin Komarek and signing defenceman Nick Bailen from last season’s champions in Graz. The club’s most eye-catching change is the appointment of Mike Stewart as head coach. Stewart, 54, won a championship as a player in Villach and began his coaching career there; he has spent the past decade coaching in the DEL. Antonitsch welcomed the appointment: “The management has done a great job. We’ve made some very good signings and also brought in an excellent new coach in Mike Stewart. I know him from back when he was still playing himself. I hope we’ll perform accordingly. It’s important that he has a connection to both the Austrian players and the imports. The foundations for a good season have been laid… pre-season is going well; we still need to grow together as a team, then we can go on the attack.”

The Capitals recorded a 3-0 pre-season victory over Slovak top-division side HK Dukla Trencin on Saturday afternoon, a result Antonitsch said was useful for getting match rhythm and putting tactical work into practice, while also stressing the gulf between friendlies and league points: “pre-season games are important to get back into the rhythm. But they can’t be compared to league games. When it really matters – when after 60 minutes you either have three points on the board or you don’t – that’s obviously something completely different.” Vienna will close their warm-up programme next Friday with an away game at Fehérvár before the regular season opener on 18 September. Antonitsch has set a clear target for the campaign: a top-six finish and greater consistency across the long regular season, with player health a crucial factor.

Key Facts

  • Vienna Capitals aim to reach the quarter-finals of the win2day ICE Hockey League.
  • Sam Antonitsch (30) targets a top-six finish and is into his tenth ICEHL season with more than 400 games played.
  • The Capitals finished seventh in last season’s regular season and lost the pre-playoffs to Fehérvár in a best-of-three.
  • New signings include forward Konstantin Komarek and defenceman Nick Bailen (arrived from Graz).
  • Mike Stewart (54) has been appointed Vienna’s new head coach; he won a championship as a player in Villach and spent the past ten years coaching in the DEL.
  • Vienna won a pre-season match 3-0 against Slovak top-division side HK Dukla Trencin.
  • The Capitals will finish pre-season with an away game at Fehérvár next Friday.
  • Season opener is scheduled for 18 September.
  • Antonitsch emphasises consistency over the long regular season and the importance of staying healthy.

IHM Discussion

The Capitals’ off-season work is an attempt to build on last season’s progress. Finishing seventh in the regular season was followed by an early pre-playoff exit, and Antonitsch has made clear that a top-six finish is the target this time. That would allow Vienna to avoid the pre-playoffs and move directly into a best-of-seven series.

Mike Stewart brings league experience from his time in Villach, as well as a decade of coaching in the DEL. Antonitsch sees his ability to connect with Austrian players and imports as important as the Capitals seek greater consistency.

Komarek and Bailen add experience up front and on the blue line respectively. The 3-0 pre-season win is an encouraging early result, but Antonitsch stressed that pre-season rhythm and tactical work must carry into league games.

Why It Matters

How Vienna manages the transition from pre-season to regular-season intensity will shape their campaign. A top-six finish would change the structure of their post-season entirely – removing the volatility of a pre-playoff and giving the club a better chance of reaching the quarter-finals. The blend of experienced newcomers and a coach with cross-border experience could provide the stability and tactical refinement needed. Equally, the club’s ability to avoid injuries and maintain form over the long regular season will be decisive, as Antonitsch highlighted.

Mini Q&A

What is the Vienna Capitals’ target for the coming season?

Sam Antonitsch has set a target of finishing in the top six of the win2day ICE Hockey League.

How did last season end for the Capitals?

The Capitals finished seventh in the regular season and were eliminated in the pre-playoffs by Fehérvár in a best-of-three.

Who is the new head coach and what is his background?

Mike Stewart, 54, has been appointed head coach; he won a championship as a player in Villach and has spent the past ten years coaching in the DEL.

Which new players have joined the club?

Forward Konstantin Komarek has returned to the league and defenceman Nick Bailen has moved to Vienna from Graz.

How did Vienna fare in pre-season?

Vienna secured a 3-0 pre-season win over Slovak top-division side HK Dukla Trencin.

When does the regular season begin for the Capitals?

The Capitals’ season opener is scheduled for 18 September.

Coach Mark Comment

Vienna’s early priority is to build clarity and cohesion under a new coach. pre-season results can offer encouragement, but the real test will be whether the Capitals can execute their plan consistently once league points are at stake. Staying healthy and finding that consistency would give them a credible route towards the top six.

IHM Final View

Vienna have combined experienced signings with a coach who brings relevant regional and German-league know-how, and Antonitsch’s frank assessment suggests a squad motivated to avoid a repeat of a bitter pre-playoff exit. pre-season results and the new appointments are encouraging signals, but the Capitals’ season will be decided by how effectively they translate that groundwork into consistent results from the opening games on 18 September.

KAC recalls 19-year-old David Waschnig from Canada

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Klagenfurt‘s KAC have recalled 19-year-old forward David Waschnig from Baie-Comeau Drakkar in Canada’s highest junior league and reactivated the contract he originally signed through 2028. The return comes with immediate effect and is intended to cover the longer-term absence of Fabian Hochegger through injury. KAC general manager Oliver Pilloni underlined Waschnig’s progression through the club’s youth ranks and expressed hope that the player will continue the development shown last season.

Key Facts

  • KAC have brought David Waschnig back to Klagenfurt with immediate effect.
  • Waschnig is 19 years old.
  • He had earned a regular place in KAC’s professional team last season.
  • In summer he moved to Baie-Comeau Drakkar in Canada’s highest junior league.
  • Waschnig’s contract, originally signed through 2028, is being reactivated at KAC.
  • The recall is intended to fill the gap caused by Fabian Hochegger’s longer-term injury.
  • KAC general manager Oliver Pilloni commented on Waschnig’s progression through the club’s youth system and expressed hope that he will continue his development.

IHM Discussion

This is a straightforward personnel move that mixes immediate roster need with long-term player development. KAC have lost Fabian Hochegger to a longer-term injury and have responded by reinstating a young player who is already known to the organisation. Waschnig’s pathway – through every stage of KAC’s youth system into last season’s professional team – means the club is bringing back a familiar player rather than introducing a wholly new element. Bringing him back from Baie-Comeau Drakkar keeps him within the club structure, while the reactivation of his contract signed through 2028 confirms his return under the existing agreement.

Why It Matters

For KAC, the move preserves depth in the forward group without needing an external signing. For Waschnig it is an opportunity to resume senior-level minutes within the same club environment where he previously established himself. That continuity may help mitigate the disruption caused by Hochegger’s absence and keep the club’s development pathway intact – important both for short-term line-up stability and longer-term player progression.

Fan Pulse

Supporters who watched Waschnig take a place in the KAC pro team last season will recognise the club’s preference for promoting from within. The recall offers a familiar, home-grown option to fill the vacancy and should be seen as a vote of confidence in the club’s youth system.

Mini Q&A

Who has KAC recalled?

KAC have recalled 19-year-old forward David Waschnig.

From which club did Waschnig return?

He returned from Baie-Comeau Drakkar in Canada’s highest junior league.

Why did KAC bring him back?

The recall is to fill the gap caused by Fabian Hochegger’s longer-term injury.

What is the contract situation?

Waschnig’s contract, which he originally signed through 2028, is being reactivated at KAC.

When does the return take effect?

The club announced that the return is effective with immediate effect.

Coach Mark Comment

Reintegrating a young player who has already passed through the club system can reduce the adjustment required after a longer-term absence. Waschnig will be familiar with the environment and expectations, allowing the coaching staff to focus on defining his role. For the player, the opportunity should be balanced with clear deployment as he returns to senior hockey.

IHM Final View

KAC’s decision to reactivate David Waschnig’s contract and bring him back immediately is a pragmatic blend of damage limitation and development planning. It addresses an urgent roster need while keeping the club’s longer-term investment in a home-grown young forward intact.

Sporteurope upgrades streaming ahead of ICEHL season opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Sporteurope, the streaming rights holder for the win2day ICE Hockey League, is rolling out a package of technical upgrades and subscription changes before the 2026/27 season opens on 18 September. Improvements include a dedicated increase in hockey staff, guaranteed HD standards in co-operation with clubs, an extra audio channel for arena sound without commentary, expanded multilingual commentary tracks, updated AI highlight packages and a refreshed Smart-TV app. The league’s All-Access subscription will automatically include the top-level world championship for full subscribers; an early-buyer season package is priced at €259 while single games will remain available at €9.90.

Key Facts

  • The win2day ICE Hockey League season opens on 18 September (2026/27 season).
  • Sporteurope operates the international streaming rights for the league and is introducing technical upgrades ahead of the new season.
  • Sporteurope has assigned more staff to ice hockey and is working with clubs on minimum production standards, including HD quality.
  • The league’s “All-Access” subscription will automatically include the top-tier world championship for subscribers who buy full access on a monthly or annual basis.
  • An early-buyer price for the whole-season All-Access package is €259.
  • Single-game purchases will continue to be priced at €9.90.
  • An additional audio channel will be available so viewers can watch with arena sound only (no commentary), and multilingual commentary tracks will be expanded.
  • AI-driven highlights production will offer very short four-minute clips and longer summaries of about nine minutes.
  • A refreshed Smart-TV app will be rolled out before the season premiere.

IHM Discussion

Sporteurope’s package is aimed at improving the viewer experience after a debut season affected by technical issues. The response centres on staffing, platform features and content packaging. More personnel dedicated to ice hockey and minimum production standards agreed with clubs should help establish a more consistent broadcast baseline.

The new audio options address criticism of home-biased commentary. An arena-sound channel gives viewers the choice to watch without commentary, while additional multilingual tracks broaden accessibility across the ICEHL’s multinational audience.

On the content side, the platform plans both four-minute clips and summaries of around nine minutes, offering options for viewers who want either a quick catch-up or more detail. Including the A-level World Championship in full All-Access subscriptions adds value for monthly and annual subscribers.

Why It Matters

Better and more flexible streaming matters for the ICEHL’s visibility and commercial growth. Stable HD broadcasts and multiple audio options improve fan satisfaction and reduce friction for supporters watching across countries. AI highlights and an updated Smart-TV app make it easier for the league to reach casual viewers and social audiences, which helps clubs and players gain exposure. Including the top-level world championship in the All-Access package also raises the subscription’s appeal, which could increase recurring revenue for the rights holder and, indirectly, strengthen the league’s international profile.

Mini Q&A

When does the ICEHL 2026/27 season begin?

The win2day ICE Hockey League season opens on 18 September.

What is new in the All-Access subscription?

All-Access will automatically include the top-tier world championship for subscribers who buy full access on a monthly or annual basis.

How much does the season package cost for early buyers?

The early-buyer price for the whole-season All-Access package is €259.

Will single games still be available, and at what price?

Yes. Single games will continue to be offered at €9.90 each.

What new viewing options are being added?

Sporteurope will add an arena-sound channel without commentary, expand multilingual commentary tracks, offer four-minute clips and summaries of around nine minutes, and release an updated Smart-TV app before the season opens.

Coach Mark Comment

Consistent picture quality and reliable broadcasts matter beyond the live audience. For clubs and players, stronger coverage gives league hockey a clearer shop window, while the arena-sound option lets fans choose a more direct in-rink experience.

What Comes Next

Sporteurope plans to roll out an updated Smart-TV app before the season opens on 18 September. Full All-Access subscribers on monthly or annual plans will have the A-level World Championship included automatically.

IHM Final View

The package is a pragmatic response to a difficult debut season, combining technical improvements, greater audio choice and updated highlight formats. If the planned upgrades arrive on schedule, viewers should have a more flexible way to follow the ICEHL.

Vienna Capitals sign Adam Reideborn through mid-October

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Vienna Capitals have signed Swedish goaltender Adam Reideborn to a contract running through mid-October. The 34-year-old arrives as short-term cover while the club deals with injuries to Sebastian Wraneschitz and Max Zimmermann, and is expected to step in for the pair at the ICEHL club.

Key Facts

  • The Vienna Capitals (ICEHL) signed Swedish goaltender Adam Reideborn to a contract running through mid-October.
  • Reideborn is 34 years old.
  • He is expected to fill in for injured Vienna goaltenders Sebastian Wraneschitz and Max Zimmermann.
  • Reideborn was under contract with SC Bern from 2023 to 2026.
  • Last season Reideborn played 35 regular-season games with a 91.9% save percentage.
  • He also appeared in two play-in games last season, with a 95.2% save percentage.

IHM Discussion

Vienna’s move for Adam Reideborn is a short-term response to injuries in net. A deal through mid-October gives the Capitals an experienced option while Sebastian Wraneschitz and Max Zimmermann are unavailable.

Reideborn brings recent experience from SC Bern, where he was under contract from 2023 to 2026. Last season, he played 35 regular-season games with a 91.9% save percentage, adding two play-in appearances at 95.2%.

Why It Matters

The signing gives Vienna additional goaltending cover during an injury-hit spell. Its mid-October end date also makes clear that this is a short-term arrangement rather than a long-term commitment.

Graz host Bordeaux as both hunt first CHL win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Graz99ers return to the Merkur Eisstadion to meet French debutants the Bordeaux Boxers in a Champions Hockey League regular-season fixture that carries early-season significance. Bordeaux arrived in the competition with energy and earned a point from a 2-1 overtime defeat after Quentin Tomasino scored the club’s first-ever CHL goal 12 minutes into their opening game. Graz, the reigning ICE HL champions, are looking to recover from a defeat in which Fribourg scored three times in the final period to snatch victory. Both sides need points and momentum as they head into this cross-border clash on Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST.

Key Facts

  • Match: Graz99ers vs Bordeaux Boxers in the Champions Hockey League regular season.
  • Venue: Merkur Eisstadion, Graz (home for Graz99ers).
  • Date and time (as stated in source): Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST.
  • Graz99ers are described as the reigning ICE HL champions.
  • Bordeaux Boxers are the reigning French champions and are making their CHL debut.
  • Bordeaux earned one point in their CHL opener via a 2-1 overtime defeat to Klagenfurt.
  • Quentin Tomasino scored Bordeaux’s first-ever Champions Hockey League goal 12 minutes into their opening game.
  • Graz conceded three goals in the final period against Fribourg on Game Day 1 and lost that match.
  • Philipp Pinter, Graz99ers Sport Director, said: “Bordeaux are a big unknown for us. I know their head coach, Olivier Dimet, from the national youth team. We’ll just have to wait and see! Graz doesn’t get to see French teams all that often.”
  • Olivier Dimet, Bordeaux Boxers Head Coach, said: “Graz are the reigning ICE HL champions. I expect a very intense and physical game. We will have to be ready from the start, stay disciplined and be able to match their pace. It will be a very good test for our team.”

IHM Discussion

This fixture presents an early test for both sides. Bordeaux’s first Champions Hockey League outing produced the club’s inaugural CHL goal, scored by Quentin Tomasino, and a point despite an overtime loss. That is an encouraging start for a debutant side entering unfamiliar territory.

Graz return home after Fribourg scored three times in the final period of their opening match. The 99ers will look to apply the lessons from that finish as they seek their first win of the campaign.

Philipp Pinter highlighted Bordeaux’s unfamiliarity, while Olivier Dimet expects an intense, physical game in which discipline will matter. The opening results suggest a close contest, with special teams, late-period composure and momentum likely to be important.

Why It Matters

The match gives Bordeaux another opportunity to test themselves in Europe after taking a point from their CHL debut. For Graz, it is a chance to respond at home after a difficult final period against Fribourg. Early results can build confidence, and both teams are seeking points after opening their campaigns with setbacks.

Mini Q&A

When and where is the match?

The game is at the Merkur Eisstadion in Graz on Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST.

Which teams are involved and what are their recent statuses?

The match pits the Graz99ers, described as the reigning ICE HL champions, against the Bordeaux Boxers, the reigning French champions making their Champions Hockey League debut.

How did Bordeaux fare in their CHL opener?

Bordeaux lost 2-1 in overtime to Klagenfurt but earned a point; Quentin Tomasino scored Bordeaux’s first-ever CHL goal 12 minutes into that match.

What went wrong for Graz in their opening match?

Graz conceded three goals in the final period against Fribourg and lost the match.

What have the coaches highlighted as key for this game?

Philipp Pinter noted Bordeaux are a big unknown and that Graz don’t often face French teams; Olivier Dimet emphasised expecting an intense, physical game and the need for his side to stay disciplined and match Graz’s pace.

What Comes Next

The match is scheduled for Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST at the Merkur Eisstadion.

IHM Final View

Bordeaux arrive encouraged by their first CHL point, while Graz have the opportunity to respond on home ice after their opening defeat. With both teams seeking a first win of the campaign, discipline and late-game composure may be decisive.

Vienna Capitals sign Adam Reideborn on short-term deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

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.

HC Pustertal’s mandate: chase ICEHL gold again

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HC Pustertal, the Italian club featuring Danish national-team defenceman Markus Lauridsen, reached the win2day ICE Hockey League final for the first time in club history last spring before losing the title to Graz99ers. Club president Erich Falkensteiner has made clear that the run to the final must not be a one-off as the team prepares for the new season, which begins on 18 September. The club has made significant roster adjustments to improve quality in key areas and add depth for a demanding campaign, while maintaining a focus on financial stability.

Key Facts

  • HC Pustertal is an Italian club that reached the ICEHL final for the first time in club history last spring.
  • Pustertal lost the final series to the Graz99ers.
  • Club president Erich Falkensteiner said: ” We will be right at the front again.”
  • The new ICEHL season for Pustertal starts on 18 September.
  • The club has made notable roster adjustments aimed at raising quality on key positions and strengthening depth for the season.
  • The management emphasises balancing increased sporting investment with a healthy and stable economy.
  • Markus Lauridsen is a Danish national-team defenceman who plays for HC Pustertal.

IHM Discussion

Pustertal’s run to the ICEHL final has raised expectations at the club. Falkensteiner’s message is clear: last season’s progress should not be a one-off. The stated approach of strengthening key areas while protecting financial stability gives the club a clear framework as it prepares for a demanding campaign.

Why It Matters

Pustertal’s first appearance in the ICEHL final gives the club a stronger platform heading into the new season. For Lauridsen, the campaign offers another opportunity to contribute for a side aiming to remain among the league’s leading teams.

Mini Q&A

What historic achievement did HC Pustertal reach last season?

Pustertal reached the win2day ICE Hockey League final for the first time in club history last spring.

What did club president Erich Falkensteiner say about the new season?

Erich Falkensteiner stated, ” We will be right at the front again,” giving the team a clear mandate to repeat its success.

How did HC Pustertal finish in the final?

Pustertal lost the final series to the Graz99ers.

When does the new ICEHL season begin for Pustertal?

The new season starts on 18 September.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoint is the start of the new ICEHL season on 18 September. Observers will watch how Pustertal’s off-season adjustments translate into early-season form and whether the squad can handle the demands of a long campaign while pursuing another deep playoff run.

IHM Final View

HC Pustertal enter the new season determined to build on last spring’s final appearance. The club’s roster adjustments and emphasis on financial stability set the tone for its attempt to stay among the ICEHL’s leading sides.

Lauridsen sets up late winner as Pustertal prevail 4-3

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Markus Lauridsen, the 35-year-old Danish national-team defenceman, finished with two assists as HC Pustertal edged to a 4-3 victory in a dramatic friendly. Lauridsen was credited with the first assist on Luke Moncada’s 2-2 goal early in the third and with the second assist on Gerry Fitzgerald’s match-winner at 59.56, just four seconds before the end of regulation.

Key Facts

  • Markus Lauridsen recorded two assists in the game.
  • HC Pustertal won the match 4-3.
  • Gerry Fitzgerald scored the winning goal at 59.56 (four seconds before the end of regulation).
  • Lauridsen was credited with the second assist on Fitzgerald’s goal.
  • Luke Moncada scored to make it 2-2 at 40.38, with Lauridsen earning the first assist on that play.
  • Pustertal were trailing 2-1 at the start of the third period.
  • The match was a pre-season/training game as part of Pustertal’s preparations for the upcoming season.
  • The 35-year-old Lauridsen remains a member of HC Pustertal, who play in the ICE Hockey League.

IHM Discussion

Lauridsen’s two assists gave Pustertal a timely contribution from the blue line in a tight pre-season finish. He helped set up Moncada’s early third-period equaliser before being credited with the second assist on Fitzgerald’s winner four seconds from time.

Why It Matters

The match offered Pustertal a dramatic pre-season win, with Lauridsen involved in both the goal that levelled the score and the late winner. It also provided a positive early contribution from the Danish defenceman ahead of the ICE Hockey League season.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

HC Pustertal won 4-3.

How many assists did Markus Lauridsen have?

He was credited with two assists.

Who scored the winning goal and when?

Gerry Fitzgerald scored the winner at 59.56, four seconds before the end of regulation.

Which goal did Lauridsen assist to level the game?

He earned the assist on Luke Moncada’s goal to make it 2-2 at 40.38.

Was this a competitive league match?

No. It was a pre-season training match as part of Pustertal’s preparations for the upcoming season.