Release from 11.12.2021

Greg Ireland returns to Bolzano

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The HCB Südtirol Alperia and Greg Ireland have agreed to work together for the second time, as the 56-year-old takes over the two-time champions with immediate effect, replacing fired Doug Mason. Ireland led Bolzano to the final of the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League in his last engagement in the 20-21 season. Already on Sunday at Salzburg he will make his debut.

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Ireland, who is currently also in charge of the Italian national team, came to Bolzano in January 2020 after Clayton Beddoes was dismissed. Before the playoffs ended prematurely due to the pandemic, he reached 15 wins in 19 games with the "foxes" and won the pick round. The Canadian was also involved in Bolzano last campaign, winning the regular season and intermediate round with his team and finally reaching finals.

Last last summer they parted ways, to return now for his second time in Bolzano. Fabio Armani will continue his work as assistant coach and Alexander Egger will also remain on the coaching staff.

"I am happy to return to Bolzano and to be able to work with Fabio Armani and the team again. I want to help the guys find their way in the right direction. They are a great group and I know how much they want to succeed. I can't wait to get our system, our game and the team cohesion back. For me, it's a wonderful feeling to regain the relationship with Bolzano and its unique fans," Ireland said after his appointment.

"We know that Greg Ireland is an excellent coach, so we are fully convinced of this decision. He knows the team very well, as the core has remained the same from last year. As the coach of the national team at the same time, he has followed the games intensively, which certainly makes it easier to take over during the current championship. I wish him and the boys all the best on the ice," reports Dieter Knoll.