Release from 15.12.2025

Doug Shedden named new Head Coach of Bolzano | Linz signs Defenseman

Short text 360 CharactersPlain text

HCB Südtirol Alperia has appointed Doug Shedden as their new head coach for the remainder of the season. The 64-year-old Canadian has previously coached top teams in Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovakia. Steinbach Black Wings Linz have also strengthened their roster, signing Yohann Auvitu, a 36-year-old French defenseman with 58 NHL games to his name.

Press release 2129 CharactersPlain text

Shedden also served as head coach of Team Canada at the Spengler Cup and as assistant coach of the Canadian national team. As a player, the 416-game NHL veteran appeared 13 times for Bolzano in the 1991/92 season.

“Bolzano was my first European stop as a player and has always held a special place in my heart,” Shedden said. “I still remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first arrived. I always wanted to return, and it’s wonderful to be able to do so today. Taking over such a talented, title-contending team in the middle of the season doesn’t happen every day. I’ve watched several games and already know some of the players, like Gersich, whom I coached last year. My style of hockey is offensively focused, and I believe the right players are here to fully realize that potential. I can’t wait to arrive in Bolzano and greet the fans at the Sparkasse Arena. And it will be very special to see Gino Pasqualotto’s number 33 hanging up there.”

Yohann Auvitu Joins Linz
The Steinbach Black Wings Linz secured the 36-year-old’s services until the end of the season, bolstering their defense with a proven performer. Auvitu moves directly from the Czech Extraliga to Linz, where he had played at the start of the current season and during the past two seasons.

Before his time at HC Vítkovice, Auvitu’s career was even more impressive: through Finland’s Liiga with JYP and HIFK (a total of 327 games), the Frenchman made the jump to the NHL. He played 58 games for the New Jersey Devils and also defended against stars like Connor McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers.

In the 2018/19 season, he began his first of two KHL stints with HK Sochi, playing alongside Sean Collins. He also competed for top European clubs, including Luleå in Sweden and the Swiss traditional club Genève-Servette.

On the international stage, Auvitu represented France in 11 top-level World Championships, earning over 120 caps. In February, the experienced defenseman may also have the chance to participate in the Olympic Games.

Copyright: HC Banska Bystrica