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New coach Kurt Kleinendorst: HCB Südtirol wants to conquer the top 6!
HCB Südtirol's 2025 season balance: coach changes, squad changes and outlook for the next season.
New coach Kurt Kleinendorst: HCB Südtirol wants to conquer the top 6!
HCB Südtirol has had an exciting year and is looking forward to the upcoming 2025/26 season with mixed feelings. After a strong third place in the regular round, the team was not able to fully convince in the playoffs and was eliminated in the semi-finals against Red Bull Salzburg. This setback also led to changes in the coaching staff.
Coach Glen Hanlon has announced his retirement at the age of 68. The club management then signed 64-year-old Kurt Kleinendorst, who has extensive experience in both North America and Europe. Kleinendorst, who most recently worked in the DEL and AHL, has had a distinguished coaching career that includes winning the 2010 Calder Cup with the Binghamton Senators. He also worked as a scout for the New Jersey Devils and won the Stanley Cup in 2003.
Squad changes and new strategies
The HCB Südtirol squad will be supplemented in the new season by the signing of six new legionnaires, while the core of local players will be retained. The new additions include Bryce Misley from Asiago and Cristiano DiGiacinto, who is considered a local for the first time. The defense is supported by experienced players such as Mark Baberio, Philip Samuelsson and Max Gildon.
The team's center axis consists of Matt Bradley, Brett Pollock, Bryce Misley and Daniel Mantenuto. In total, the squad now includes 21 legionnaires and local players, with a surplus of players to be created for future signings. The focus is particularly on the development of U24 players like Pascal Brunner. In contrast, Enrico Larcher has to take a step back.
Challenges and expectations
Those responsible are concerned about the high average age of some of the new Legionnaires, as the performance of Scott Valentine and Dylan Di Perna in particular remains unclear. Gazley, who is 37, performs well but has difficulty finishing. In addition, the HCB still has problems with penalties and physical play, which needs to be improved in the coming season.
Dieter Knoll, managing director of the HCB, emphasizes Kleinendorst's international experience and his desire to form a hard-working team with speed and offensive play. Kleinendorst also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the right approach for success in ice hockey. Further progression in the squad should ensure that HCB Südtirol can play in the top 6 of the league again.
Statistics will continue to play a crucial role in ice hockey in evaluating player and team performance. The detailed recording of shots on goal, penalties and other important game aspects enables the analysis of the games and thus creates a basis for improvements. Proper use of these statistics will be crucial to achieve desired goals and increase performance levels.