Tag: Returns

Three ICEHL forwards seek more from early returns

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The 2026-27 ICEHL season is still in its early stages, but Linus Andersson, Mikael Frycklund and Kevin Conley have each posted modest offensive numbers compared with what has previously been expected of them.

Villacher SV forward Andersson has one assist in seven games and is currently sidelined by a muscle injury. Frycklund has two assists in 10 outings for HC Milano and is yet to score his first goal of the campaign, despite a productive record across three regular seasons with HC Pustertal. Graz99ers forward Conley has three assists in 10 games, also without a goal, following his influential contribution during Graz’s previous play-off run.

Key Facts

  • Linus Andersson has recorded one assist in seven games for Villacher SV and is currently dealing with a muscle injury.
  • Mikael Frycklund has two assists in 10 games for HC Milano and is still awaiting his first goal of the season.
  • Across his three regular seasons with HC Pustertal, Frycklund recorded 28, 29 and 25 points respectively.
  • Kevin Conley has three assists and a plus-minus rating of +3 through 10 games for the Graz99ers.
  • After joining Graz in February 2026, Conley produced three points in six regular-season games and 12 points in 11 play-off games.

IHM Discussion

The three cases require different readings. Andersson’s seven-game sample is short and his muscle injury now interrupts his opportunity to build momentum. Frycklund’s slower start comes after a move to Milano, while his HC Pustertal regular-season totals show the level of ICEHL production he has delivered before.

Conley’s opening numbers are less stark than his lack of goals alone suggests. Three assists and a +3 rating provide some positive early evidence, but they sit below the offensive impact he made for Graz in the previous play-offs. The common thread is that each forward’s early return is being measured against an established expectation rather than against a large body of 2026-27 games.

Why It Matters

Offensive depth carries particular weight over a long ICEHL season. Andersson, Frycklund and Conley have all previously supplied useful attacking output in their respective contexts, so their early numbers will remain a point of attention as more games are played. For Andersson, availability is an immediate factor because of the reported muscle injury.

Mini Q&A

How has Linus Andersson started the season?

Andersson has one assist in seven games for Villacher SV. He is also currently sidelined by a muscle injury.

What is Mikael Frycklund’s previous ICEHL record?

Frycklund posted 28, 29 and 25 regular-season points across three seasons with HC Pustertal.

What did Kevin Conley contribute after joining Graz?

Conley had three points in six regular-season games after arriving in February 2026, then added 12 points in 11 play-off games.

Coach Mark Comment

A seven- or 10-game sample rarely settles the assessment of a forward. Goals and assists matter, but a measured coaching review also considers whether a player is creating dangerous sequences, arriving in scoring areas and helping sustain pressure. Andersson’s injury adds a separate availability issue, while Frycklund and Conley have enough prior ICEHL evidence that their early totals should be judged with context rather than treated as a final verdict.

IHM Final View

The early figures place Andersson, Frycklund and Conley under understandable scrutiny, but they do not tell identical stories. Andersson’s injury limits the immediate picture, Frycklund is adapting after his move to Milano, and Conley’s play-off record with Graz remains the clearest recent reminder of his offensive value.

Joachim Lunde Hermansen returns to Frisk Asker

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Joachim Lunde Hermansen has returned to Frisk Asker after signing a contract that will keep him with the EliteHockey Ligaen club through the end of the 2027-28 season.

Key Facts

  • Joachim Lunde Hermansen has returned to Frisk Asker.
  • He has signed a contract running until the end of the 2027-28 season.
  • Frisk Asker compete in the EliteHockey Ligaen.

IHM Discussion

The length of Hermansen’s agreement gives Frisk Asker a commitment extending beyond the current campaign. His return is the central element of the club’s announcement, with the available information not specifying his position, previous spell or planned deployment.

That makes the deal straightforward to assess at this stage: Frisk Asker have secured Hermansen through 2027-28, while the practical details of how he fits into the group have not been outlined.

Why It Matters

Frisk Asker have added a returning player on a deal that runs through the end of 2027-28. The contract provides certainty over Hermansen’s club affiliation beyond the immediate season, without the announcement setting out further roster or on-ice implications.

Simon Seiler Confirmed to Return to ZSC Lions

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Simon Seiler will return to the ZSC Lions next season after the club confirmed the 29-year-old defenceman’s signing.

Seiler has agreed a contract running until the end of the 2030-31 season. The move brings him back to an organisation where he previously played for ZSC’s U17 and U20 sides and the GCK Lions.

The defenceman joined HC Fribourg-Gottéron for the 2022-23 season after spells with HC Thurgau, EHC Kloten and EHC Olten. He won the National League title with Fribourg-Gottéron last season and has also made his Swiss men’s national-team debut.

Key Facts

  • Simon Seiler will join the ZSC Lions next season.
  • The 29-year-old defenceman has signed through the end of the 2030-31 season.
  • Seiler previously represented ZSC’s U17 and U20 teams, as well as the GCK Lions.
  • Before joining HC Fribourg-Gottéron for 2022-23, he played for HC Thurgau, EHC Kloten and EHC Olten.
  • Seiler won the National League title with Fribourg-Gottéron last season and has made his Swiss men’s national-team debut.
  • ZSC Lions team manager Sven Leuenberger described Seiler as a strong defensive defenceman whose size and physical play can help him match up against opponents.

IHM Discussion

The confirmed deal gives ZSC Lions a returning player with a long connection to the organisation, from its junior teams through to the GCK Lions. Seiler’s subsequent route through Thurgau, Kloten, Olten and Fribourg-Gottéron has added National League experience to that earlier ZSC background.

Leuenberger’s assessment places the emphasis on Seiler’s defensive game, size and physical approach. Those are the qualities ZSC Lions have identified in completing a move that had been reported as a possibility before the club’s confirmation.

Why It Matters

Seiler arrives with recent title-winning experience from Fribourg-Gottéron and international exposure through his Swiss men’s national-team debut. His long-term agreement, running to the end of 2030-31, also gives the return a clear multi-season framework rather than making it a short-term reunion.

Bern duo ruled out as Bachmann returns for Ambrì

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

SC Bern will be without Connor Hughes and Marco Lehmann for their game against HC Ambrì-Piotta. Both players also missed the previous night’s meeting with EHC Biel after suffering injuries in practice, and their expected return is next week if their recovery proceeds as planned.

Ambrì, meanwhile, can call on defenceman Luc Bachmann, who is ready to make his first appearance of the season after a pre-season injury. Jesse Virtanen is practising fully but is not yet available, with HC Ambrì-Piotta hoping to have him back in the line-up in two to four weeks. Daniele Grassi, David Bosson and Tim Heed will also be absent.

Key Facts

  • Connor Hughes and Marco Lehmann missed SC Bern’s previous game against EHC Biel after being injured in practice.
  • Hughes and Lehmann will not play for SC Bern against HC Ambrì-Piotta.
  • Both Bern players are expected to return next week if all goes according to plan.
  • HC Ambrì-Piotta defenceman Luc Bachmann is ready to play his first game of the season after a pre-season injury.
  • Jesse Virtanen is fully practising, but Ambrì hope to have him back in the line-up in two to four weeks.
  • Daniele Grassi, David Bosson and Tim Heed are also unavailable for HC Ambrì-Piotta.

IHM Discussion

The update leaves both sides managing a notable list of absentees for this National League fixture. Bern’s immediate position is clear: Hughes and Lehmann remain unavailable after their practice injuries, with next week identified as the possible window for their return rather than this game.

For Ambrì, Bachmann’s availability provides a confirmed addition on defence after he missed the start of the season. It is a different situation for Virtanen, whose full participation in practice does not yet translate into match availability. The stated two-to-four-week timeframe keeps his return dependent on further progress.

The absences of Grassi, Bosson and Heed further limit Ambrì’s options, although no timetable or medical detail has been given for those players.

Why It Matters

The fixture brings contrasting availability news. Bern must proceed without two players who have now missed consecutive games, while Ambrì receive Bachmann back for his first outing of the campaign. His return is confirmed for the match; the other absences remain in place.

Mini Q&A

Why are Connor Hughes and Marco Lehmann unavailable?

Both missed the game against EHC Biel after being injured in practice and will not play against HC Ambrì-Piotta.

Who is returning for HC Ambrì-Piotta?

Defenceman Luc Bachmann is ready for his first game of the season after a pre-season injury.

When could Jesse Virtanen return?

He is fully practising, and HC Ambrì-Piotta hope to have him back in the line-up in two to four weeks.

What Comes Next

The next confirmed checkpoint is Bern’s hope that Hughes and Lehmann can return next week if their recovery remains on track. Ambrì will also continue to assess Virtanen, with the club targeting a return in two to four weeks.

Graz99ers await possible Roy and Brunner returns

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

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.

Antti Raanta returns to Lukko goal for Tappara clash

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Antti Raanta will start in goal for Lukko against Tappara in Thursday evening’s sole Liiga fixture. The 37-year-old veteran will start in Rauma for the first time this season and has played only 40 minutes so far.

Key Facts

  • Antti Raanta will start in goal for Lukko against Tappara in Thursday’s only Liiga match.
  • Raanta is 37 years old.
  • This will be Raanta’s first start of the season for Lukko.
  • Raanta has played only 40 minutes this season.
  • Raanta replaced Daniel Salonen after the first period of Lukko’s home game against JYP on 9 September 2026, after Salonen had conceded four goals.
  • In that JYP game Raanta made 14 saves with a save percentage of 93.33.
  • The Lukko – Tappara game is scheduled to be played in Rauma and is due to begin at 18.30.

IHM Discussion

Raanta’s first start of the season gives Lukko a change in goal for the visit of Tappara. The 37-year-old has played only 40 minutes so far, all coming after he replaced Daniel Salonen following the first period against JYP on 9 September. Raanta made 14 saves in that appearance and finished with a 93.33 save percentage.

Why It Matters

Raanta’s selection gives Lukko a veteran starter for Thursday’s game after his limited action so far this season. It also changes the immediate goaltending rotation, with Salonen having started the earlier game against JYP.

Grégory Hofmann returns to EV Zug lineup after lower-body injury

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Grégory Hofmann, the 33-year-old forward for EV Zug, returned to the lineup for the club’s 22 September National League game against HC Lugano after missing the start of the season with a lower-body injury. EV Zug had moved his expected return from week-to-week to day-to-day and listed him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026; the club said he sustained the injury in the final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September. HC Lugano defeated EV Zug 3-2 in overtime in that match.

Key Facts

  • Grégory Hofmann is a 33-year-old forward for EV Zug.
  • Hofmann missed the start of the season because of a lower-body injury.
  • EV Zug said Hofmann sustained the lower-body injury in the final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September.
  • EV Zug adjusted Hofmann’s return from week-to-week to day-to-day and listed him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026.
  • Hofmann was in EV Zug’s lineup for the club’s National League regular-season game against HC Lugano.
  • HC Lugano beat EV Zug 3-2 in overtime in that game.
  • Puck drop for the game against the Bianconeri was scheduled for 19:45.

IHM Discussion

EV Zug included Grégory Hofmann in the lineup for the 22 September National League fixture against HC Lugano after the 33-year-old forward missed the start of the season with a lower-body injury. The club had moved his expected return from week-to-week to day-to-day, listing him as day-to-day on 21 September 2026.

Zug said Hofmann sustained the injury in its final friendly against the SCL Tigers on 10 September. His return gave the club another forward option for the regular-season game, which HC Lugano won 3-2 in overtime.

Why It Matters

For Zug, his availability added selection flexibility and depth in the opening stage of the National League campaign.

Floran Douay returns to Lausanne HC on one-month deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC have brought back forward Floran Douay on a one-month contract. The 31-year-old Frenchman, who holds a Swiss player’s licence, played for Lausanne last season and will join the squad immediately. The agreement is explicitly described as a trial: at the end of the month, the club will decide whether to extend the deal. Douay is scheduled to be available for Lausanne’s game against HC Fribourg-Gottéron on Friday. In 2025-26, he appeared in 46 games and also took part in the Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina as part of the French delegation.

Key Facts

  • Floran Douay, 31, is a forward.
  • Douay holds a Swiss player’s licence.
  • He returns to Lausanne HC, having already played for the club last season.
  • Lausanne HC have offered Douay a one-month contract.
  • A decision on an extension will be made at the end of the trial period.
  • Douay will be available for Lausanne’s game against HC Fribourg-Gottéron on Friday.
  • In the 2025-26 season Douay played 46 games.
  • Douay took part in the Olympic Games in Milano – Cortina as part of the French delegation.

IHM Discussion

This is a short-term, low-commitment move by Lausanne HC. The one-month length creates a clear evaluation window for both player and club, with Lausanne able to assess whether to extend the arrangement at the end of the trial period. For Douay, it offers an immediate return to familiar surroundings and another opportunity in the National League.

Why It Matters

The signing matters most for Lausanne’s immediate depth up front. A one-month contract provides short-term reinforcement without a long-term roster commitment. Douay’s 46 appearances in 2025-26 and Olympic participation with the French delegation add useful experience to the group. The trial nature of the deal leaves the extension decision with the club at the end of the month.

Radim Rulík returns and Kladno win 4-3 in Vítkovice

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Radim Rulík’s return to the Extraliga bench went well. The 61-year-old coach, who led the Czech national team to the 2024 world title in Prague, was back in club hockey after three years and watched his Kladno side overturn a 0-2 deficit to beat Vítkovice 4-3 in the opening round of the 2026/2027 season. Kladno were 2-1 down after the second period before winning the third 3-1. The visitors drew level early in the third on a power play, Michal Kempný scored shorthanded while Kladno were a man down, and Pietroniro struck the winner in the 49th minute. Rulík described the win as fortunate rather than a sign that his team were clearly better.

Key Facts

  • Radim Rulík returned to the Extraliga bench after three years; he is 61.
  • Rulík led the Czech national team to the 2024 world title in Prague.
  • Kladno beat Vítkovice 4-3 in the opening round of the 2026/2027 Extraliga season.
  • Kladno trailed 0-2 at one point and won the third period 3-1.
  • Kladno levelled 2-2 at the start of the third period on a power play.
  • Michal Kempný scored a shorthanded goal for Kladno while the visitors were down a man.
  • Pietroniro scored Kladno’s winning goal in the 49th minute.
  • Šimon Stránský scored for Vítkovice and his goal stood after a coach’s challenge failed because officials found no conclusive video angle.
  • Referee Robin Šír explained the decision on the video review to the arena.
  • Italian defenceman Pietroniro received a two-minute penalty after a confrontation with Vítkovice forward Krivošík.
  • Rulík said the job with a club is different from the national team: ‘It is day-to-day work, different from the national side.’
  • Rulík praised the impact of experienced new arrivals, mentioning Kempný and Stránský by example.

IHM Discussion

The match provided a clear example of how single incidents and special teams can swing close Extraliga games. Vítkovice opened a two-goal lead and survived a coach’s challenge from Kladno after the referees could not find a conclusive video angle to prove an offside. Robin Šír explained the decision to the arena, underlining how marginal such reviews can be.

Kladno’s route back began with a goal to make it 2-1 before the second intermission, followed by a power-play equaliser early in the third. Pietroniro then took a two-minute penalty after his confrontation with Krivošík, but Kladno scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný while killing that penalty. Pietroniro later scored the winner in the 49th minute. Rulík praised Kempný’s support of the play and finish, while also highlighting Šimon Stránský’s display for Vítkovice.

Why It Matters

Rulík’s successful return matters for Kladno’s early-season narrative. A road win after a comeback offers a positive start for a coach returning to club hockey after three years. For the wider league, the match reflected Rulík’s assessment of a tightly contested season: beyond Pardubice, whom he described as having the best-assembled squad, he expects fine margins to separate many teams. The game also highlighted the match-day use of stadium communicators to explain video-review rulings to spectators, and the influence of special teams on the result.

Mini Q&A

Did Radim Rulík return to the Extraliga?

Yes. Radim Rulík returned to the Extraliga bench after three years; he is 61 and had previously coached the Czech national team to the 2024 world title in Prague.

What was the final score and where was the game played?

Kladno beat Vítkovice 4-3 in Ostrava (Vítkovice’s arena) in the opening round of the 2026/2027 Extraliga season.

How did Kladno overturn the deficit?

Kladno trailed 2-0 during the second period but pulled one back before the interval. They tied the game 2-2 on a power play early in the third, scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný while killing a penalty, and Pietroniro won it in the 49th minute.

Was any goal subject to a coach’s challenge?

Yes. Kladno requested a coach’s challenge for an offside on a Vítkovice goal by Šimon Stránský, but the challenge failed because officials found no conclusive video frame; referee Robin Šír explained the decision to the arena.

Were there any disciplinary incidents?

Yes. Italian defenceman Pietroniro received a two-minute penalty after confronting Vítkovice forward Krivošík at the boards. Kladno then scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný while killing the penalty.

What was Rulík’s assessment after the match?

Rulík said the team were ‘luckier’ rather than clearly better, described club coaching as day-to-day work different from the national side, and praised the positive early impact of experienced players such as Michal Kempný.

Coach Mark Comment

Kladno’s response showed the importance of staying connected to the game after falling behind. The power-play equaliser created a reset, while the shorthanded goal during their own penalty kill gave the visitors a decisive swing in momentum. Rulík’s measured assessment was right: a comeback win is valuable, but the details of Kladno’s start and game management still matter.

IHM Final View

Kladno’s 4-3 win in Ostrava was an encouraging start to Radim Rulík’s return to club coaching. His side recovered from 2-0 down, found a power-play equaliser, scored shorthanded through Michal Kempný and won it through Pietroniro in the 49th minute. Rulík nevertheless struck a guarded note, saying Kladno were luckier rather than better, a fitting assessment after a tight opening-night comeback.

Radek Kučeřík returns to Kometa as a different player

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Radek Kučeřík has returned to Kometa Brno after two seasons in Finland and says the experience has changed his game. The 24-year-old, who played for Ässät Pori and Ilves Tampere, believes he is more confident carrying the puck and supporting the attack while retaining his combative edge. Kučeřík has been training in the club’s first defensive pair with Libor Zábranský in the closing stages of preparation and has not yet registered a point. He is one of seven former Kometa players to rejoin the squad before the season. Kometa begin their Extraliga campaign away in Litvínov, and the club will move from Rondo to a new multifunctional arena at the exhibition grounds in January after nearly 30 years.

Key Facts

  • Radek Kučeřík, 24, has returned to Kometa Brno after two seasons playing in Finland.
  • In Finland Kučeřík wore the jerseys of Ässät Pori and Ilves Tampere.
  • Kučeřík says Finnish hockey allowed him to play through mistakes and gain confidence with the puck.
  • He played in the closing stages of pre-season in Kometa’s first defensive pairing with Libor Zábranský and, so far, has not recorded a point.
  • Libor Zábranský was the Extraliga’s most prolific scoring defenceman last season.
  • Kučeřík is described as a stable part of the Czech national team setup in recent years but has not yet played at the World Championship.
  • He began playing hockey in Hodonín and moved to Kometa at age 14.
  • Kučeřík is one of seven players with a Kometa past who rejoined the club before the season.
  • Kometa’s Extraliga season opens away in Litvínov; the team will move from the Rondo to a new multifunctional arena at the exhibition grounds in January after almost thirty years.

IHM Discussion

Kučeřík’s return to Brno is both a personal reset and a tactical opportunity for Kometa. He describes his development in Finland as an evolution: Finnish clubs encouraged players to continue through mistakes, making him more willing to carry and hold the puck. That could help Kometa generate more from the blue line. Alongside Libor Zábranský, last season’s most prolific scoring defenceman in the Extraliga, Kučeřík has the chance to contribute at both ends of the ice.

Kučeřík has not yet produced in pre-season, while the squad has changed significantly. The pair will need to establish how they support one another when joining the attack. Integrating seven returning players also brings familiarity alongside an adjustment period. Kučeřík’s stated priority is a strong start to the season rather than the club’s forthcoming arena move.

Why It Matters

Kučeřík’s comfort with the puck could give Kometa another route to create offence from the back and provide support for Zábranský’s shooting. For Kučeřík, the confidence he says he gained in Finland may help him contribute more at both ends at Extraliga level. With several former players returning and an arena move ahead, early-season cohesion will be important.

Mini Q&A

Why does Kučeřík say his game changed in Finland?

He says Finnish hockey let players continue playing despite mistakes, which boosted his confidence with the puck and made him more willing to hold and carry it to support the attack.

Who has Kučeřík been paired with during Kometa’s pre-season preparations?

In the end of pre-season he was playing alongside Libor Zábranský in the first defensive pair.

Has Kučeřík played for the Czech national team?

He has been a stable part of the national-team setup in recent years but has not yet appeared at a World Championship.

What clubs did Kučeřík play for in Finland?

Kučeřík played for Ässät Pori and Ilves Tampere during his two seasons in Finland.

What major off-ice change does Kometa face this season?

Kometa will move from the Rondo to a new multifunctional arena at the exhibition grounds in January, ending almost thirty years at the Rondo.

Coach Mark Comment

Kučeřík’s added confidence with the puck can help Kometa, but the pair’s success will depend on clear communication when one defenceman joins the attack. Early games should show how quickly he and Zábranský establish that balance.

What Comes Next

Kometa begin the Extraliga season away in Litvínov (the match was mentioned as the club’s season opener). The club will complete a major infrastructure milestone in January when it moves from the Rondo to a new multifunctional arena at the exhibition grounds.

IHM Final View

Radek Kučeřík says his spell in Finland sharpened his confidence with the puck while leaving his combative edge intact. His early work alongside Libor Zábranský gives Kometa an intriguing defensive combination, although it may take time for a changed squad to settle.