Release from 25.05.2026

Black Wings sign Canadian center Kyle Topping

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The Steinbach Black Wings Linz have announced the signing of forward Kyle Topping. The 26-year-old Canadian brings not only speed and hockey IQ, but also experience from Sweden’s top league and Finland’s Liiga. Last season, the center played for MoDo Hockey in the HockeyAllsvenskan.

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Developed in Canada, Topping quickly drew attention with his offensive production. In the WHL, he established himself as a consistent scorer, earning opportunities in both the ECHL and AHL. Over nearly two years, the left-shot forward recorded 35 points in the third-tier league and added 20 points in North America’s second-highest league.

In 2022, Topping moved to Swiss club La Chaux-de-Fonds. On the team’s run to the title in the second division, he contributed an impressive 19 points (10 goals) in 25 games before falling short in the promotion playoffs to the National League. He then joined Västerås IK in Sweden, where he finished as the team’s second-leading scorer with 36 points (17 goals) and also appeared in nine SHL games for MoDo. The center later moved to Finland to join HPK, before returning to Sweden’s second division last season, where he helped lead MoDo Hockey to a decisive Game 7 in the semifinals. With seven goals and four assists, he once again underlined his strong form, particularly on the power play, where he excelled both as a playmaker and a finisher.

Kyle Topping: “I’m excited for my fifth year in Europe and to bring my experience to Linz. I want to help the team come together quickly and play an aggressive style to make life difficult for every opponent.”

In addition, the club announced the departures of Travis Barron and Luka Maver.

Photo: Johan Löf