Release from 29.04.2026

Black Wings extend Tialler’s contract and sign Tschofen

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The Steinbach Black Wings Linz have announced the extension of defender Christoph Tialler’s contract. In addition, forward Marlon Tschofen is moving from the Pioneers Vorarlberg to Upper Austria.

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The Black Wings continue their roster planning with two Austrian personnel decisions. Christoph Tialler has extended his contract and will enter his fourth season in Upper Austria. The 2003-born defenseman came through the EC-KAC youth system and developed via the Alps Hockey League into the win2day ICE Hockey League. In the 2025/26 season, the Carinthian played 33 regular season games, recording two goals and one assist. His strengths lie primarily in the defensive zone, where he impressed with solid positioning, physical presence, and increasing composure in puck distribution. He also blocked ten shots and improved his plus/minus rating to +2.

Linz have also secured offensive reinforcements: Marlon Tschofen moves to the Untere Donaulände from the Pioneers Vorarlberg. The 24-year-old forward impressed last season with five goals and five assists, serving as a key contributor for the second-to-last-placed team both on the third line and on the power play. Overall, the right-shot forward has appeared in 99 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League. Prior to that, he demonstrated his development with EC Bregenzerwald in the Alps Hockey League, where he recorded 65 points in 114 games.

Marlon Tschofen: “Games against Linz were always among the toughest – both on the ice and especially because of their fans. That’s why I’m very happy to now play for them instead of against them. For me, it was time to leave home and experience a bigger city again. I believe I’m strong in one-on-one situations and always give it my all.”