Release from 13.07.2026

Bolzano and Ljubljana sign imports | Defensive talent heads to Milan

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HCB Südtirol Alperia has announced the signing of Zac Leslie. The defenseman spent the past two seasons in Germany’s DEL. Meanwhile, Olimpija Ljubljana has added winger Chris Douglas, and Italian defenseman Olmo Albis is set to join Milano Hockey Club.

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HCB Südtirol Alperia has secured the services of defenseman Zac Leslie. The 32-year-old Canadian brings extensive experience from the AHL (nearly 400 games), as well as stints in the KHL, Switzerland’s National League, and the DEL. Leslie is regarded as a mobile and versatile blueliner with a strong first pass and power-play capabilities. He also adds leadership qualities, having served multiple times as an alternate captain. Most recently, he played for the Straubing Tigers, where he led all team defensemen in points per game (5 goals, 16 assists in 31 appearances).

Zac Leslie: “I’m extremely excited to play for a club with such an incredible history. I chose Bolzano because I want to be part of a team that always aims to compete for the title until the very end – and to do so in front of fantastic fans in an amazing atmosphere.”

Ljubljana brings forward to Europe for the first time
HK Olimpija Ljubljana continues to build its roster for the upcoming season with the signing of winger Chris Douglas. The Canadian arrives in Europe for the first time after a highly successful collegiate career at the University of British Columbia. The 26-year-old spent five seasons with the Thunderbirds, serving as captain for four of them. Following the conclusion of the university season, he earned a call-up to the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, where he appeared in 13 games.

Anže Ulčar, CEO of Olimpija: “We were looking for a player for a very specific role on the third line. It was important for us to find someone who fully commits to his role and responsibilities within the team, and who is also a right shot, helping us improve roster balance. Chris is a very defensively responsible player who can also contribute offensively. He stands out with his physical style of play and his presence in front of the opposing net.”

Italian defensive prospect joins Milan
Defenseman Olmo Albis will move to the win2day ICE Hockey League for the 2026/27 season, joining Milano Hockey Club. The 22-year-old left-shot is considered one of the top prospects in Italian ice hockey. In 2018, he joined the youth academy of HC Ambrì-Piotta in Switzerland, progressing through their junior system and obtaining a Swiss license. He took his first steps at the professional level with Bellinzona, where he played three seasons in the Swiss League and established himself as a promising defenseman. During that time, he also represented Italy at the U18 and U20 World Championships.

In January 2026, he joined HC Sierre and contributed to their Swiss League championship, after which he received his first call-up to the senior national team. Last season, he recorded 51 appearances (4 goals, 4 assists, 89 penalty minutes) for Bellinzona and Sierre. Overall, he has played 122 games in Switzerland’s second-tier league, registering 17 points.

Olmo Albis: “I'm thrilled to continue my professional career in Italy, and in Milan in particular — a city with a great hockey tradition and passionate fans. I will give everything I have to contribute in such a competitive league and keep improving in every aspect of my game.”

Photo: Adler Mannheim