Release from 21.05.2026

Innsbruck signs defenseman | Graz and Vienna extend goalies

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Connor Mayer is the latest addition for HC TIWAG Innsbruck. The 26-year-old American brings strong skating and puck-moving abilities to Tyrol. Meanwhile, goaltender Maxime Lagacé will remain with reigning champions Moser Medical Graz99ers, and Sebastian Wraneschitz has extended his contract in Vienna by two years. Hydro Fehérvár AV19 also announced three contract extensions.

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HC TIWAG Innsbruck has filled another import spot for the upcoming season, adding American defenseman Connor Mayer to its roster. The soon-to-be 27-year-old joins from the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) and also made 23 appearances in the American Hockey League over the past two seasons. HCI head coach Ryan Kinasewich is very familiar with Mayer’s abilities, having previously worked with him during his time as head coach of the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL).

Connor Mayer: “From the very first contact and conversation, I felt that HCI was the right fit for me. The decision to come to Innsbruck was an easy one. I can’t wait to get started, meet the team, and give everything for the club and its fans.”

Lagacé extends with champions Graz
After a strong debut season, Maxime Lagacé will remain with the Moser Medical Graz99ers. Following his last-minute move last summer, the Canadian quickly established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the win2day ICE Hockey League. In the regular season, Lagacé led all goalies who played at least half of their team’s games with a 91.98 save percentage and an average of just 2.01 goals against per game. He elevated his performance even further in the playoffs, posting a 95.77 save percentage and just 1.13 goals against per game, becoming a key factor in Graz’s success before an injury sidelined him in the semifinals. Lagacé will once again form the goaltending trio with Nico Wieser and Patrick Grascher next season.

In addition to the extension, Graz also announced a new signing: 21-year-old Slovenian forward Mai Crnkic joins from EC Die Adler Kitzbühel. The offensive talent recorded an impressive 55 points, including 21 goals, in last season’s Alps Hockey League. Crnkic developed his game in Jesenice and in Sweden with Almtuna, Brynäs, Mora, and Borås. The young forward could initially gain further experience on loan in DEL2.

Wraneschitz stays in Vienna
Sebastian Wraneschitz has extended his contract with the Vienna Capitals for two more years. The homegrown goaltender confirmed his excellent development with outstanding performances in the regular season. With a 92.36 save percentage, the 24-year-old ranked third among all goalies who played more than ten regular-season games.

Fehérvár extends trio
Hydro Fehérvár AV19 also announced three contract extensions. Defenseman Roland Kiss, along with forwards Kristof Németh and Csongor Ambrus, will remain with the Hungarian side for the upcoming season.