Release from 18.05.2026

David Maier signs three-year contract in Graz

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Moser Medical Graz99ers have strengthened their roster with Austrian World Championship participant David Maier. The 26-year-old defenseman is joining the reigning champions after six seasons with EC-KAC and has signed a three-year contract in Graz.

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Developed in the EC-KAC youth system, Maier returned to his home club after five development years in Sweden and Canada, winning the championship with Klagenfurt immediately upon his return. With the exception of a six-week loan spell with the Steinbach Black Wings Linz, he went on to play six full seasons for KAC. In total, he appeared in 258 games, logging an impressive 4,169 minutes of ice time. With 17 goals and 66 points, he also highlighted his offensive impact – qualities that, according to Graz head coach Philipp Pinter, are expected to benefit the team.

After winning gold and silver at youth World Championships, finishing twice as the tournament’s highest-scoring defenseman and once being named best defender, Maier has already played games number 88 and 89 for Austria at the ongoing World Championship in Zurich against Great Britain (5:2) and Hungary (4:2). In addition, he appeared 12 times in the Champions Hockey League in a KAC jersey.

David Maier: “After six years in Klagenfurt, where I was essentially in my comfort zone, I’m extremely excited to take on a new challenge with the Graz99ers. I believe this will help me take the next step in my personal and hockey development. Graz has become a top destination in recent years, and I want to contribute to the team’s continued success. In Graz, the goal is now clearly the championship, and that is also my personal target. I can’t wait for my first games in the ‘Bunker’.”

Aljoša Crnovič stays in Ljubljana
The 27-year-old defenseman will enter his fifth season with Olimpija Ljubljana. The Slovenian World Championship participant has played 218 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League so far, recording 32 points.

Cole Bardreau extends stay in Pustertal until 2029
The 32-year-old US forward, for whom last season was his first in Europe and with HC Falkensteiner Pustertal, has committed long-term to the club and signed a new three-year deal. In his debut season in Bruneck, he registered 48 points in 57 appearances.