Release from 13.05.2026

Contract extensions in Linz and Vienna

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The Steinbach Black Wings Linz have extended the contract of forward Graham Knott for another two seasons. The 29-year-old will therefore enter his sixth and seventh campaigns with the Upper Austrian club. In 215 games so far, Knott has recorded 210 points. Meanwhile, Simon Bourque will remain with the Vienna Capitals. The defenseman collected 27 points in 48 appearances during his first season with the club.

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Graham Knott averaged 20:24 minutes of ice time per game last season – the highest among all forwards on the team. Off the ice, the Canadian also became part of the leadership group, serving as an assistant captain and taking on responsibility beyond his on-ice production. His impressive numbers currently stand at 210 points (81 goals) in 215 competitive games – nearly one direct goal contribution per match in black, orange, and petrol colors.

Head coach Philipp Lukas: “What Graham is capable of doing with the puck is unique in the entire league. Even more impressive than his numbers, however, is the personal development he has made during his time with us. Between brilliance and unpredictability in some of his plays, he has evolved into a true leader who gets along with everyone in the locker room. After the many changes within the team, he will take on even more responsibility and lead us with his abilities.”

Bourque to continue on Capitals’ blue line
Simon Bourque immediately proved to be a reliable defenseman in his first season wearing a Capitals jersey. The Canadian also showcased his offensive strengths and became a regular member of the first power-play unit. Alongside 18 assists, the 29-year-old contributed nine goals. Only three defensemen across the league scored more goals during the regular season.

Bourque has now appeared in 207 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League, recording 118 points (28 goals and 90 assists). Before joining Vienna, the defenseman spent one season with HCB Südtirol Alperia, where he posted 32 points (8 goals and 24 assists) in the 2024/25 campaign. During the 2023/24 season, the Canadian played in Norway for the Stavanger Oilers.

Bourque’s first stop in the win2day ICE Hockey League was HC TIWAG Innsbruck, where he played from 2021 to 2023. Wearing the Sharks jersey, the left-shot defenseman registered 59 points (11 goals and 48 assists).

Simon Bourque: “I’m very happy to remain part of the Vienna Capitals for another season. The end of last season was difficult to accept, especially because of my suspension in the decisive pre-playoff game. We want to do better next season. I think the organization is taking the right steps to allow us to go far next year. My wife and I are already looking forward to returning to Vienna. We’re spending the summer in Montreal, but Vienna has already earned a special place in our hearts. I can’t wait to play in front of the Caps fans again. The atmosphere at STEFFL Arena and the support from our fans are amazing.”