Release from 06.01.2026

HCB Südtirol Alperia sign Matt Cairns

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HCB Südtirol Alperia have secured the services of Matt Cairns for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The 27-year-old defenseman, who holds Canadian citizenship and a Slovenian passport, will join the team immediately and is available for selection right away.

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Cairns most recently suited up for IF Björklöven in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. Last season, the physical blueliner (188 cm, 92 kg) appeared in 46 win2day ICE Hockey League games for Asiago Hockey, recording three goals and 16 assists.

The signing comes in response to the prolonged injury of defenseman Barberio.

Born on April 27, 1998, in Mississauga, Ontario, Cairns developed through the Canadian junior ranks. He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After several years in NCAA college hockey, he played primarily in the ECHL between 2021 and 2024, with occasional appearances in the AHL. His move to Europe came in 2024 with Asiago, before continuing his career in Sweden.