Release from 08.10.2026

Jake Smith: “Pressure Is a Privilege” as Milano Hockey Club Prepares for Its Home Debut

Short text 331 CharactersPlain text

After opening the season with eight games on the road, Milano Hockey Club is finally ready to welcome its supporters home. In a new „nICE to hear you“ podcast episode, goaltender Jake Smith discusses the club’s challenging start, the rapid development of a brand-new team and the excitement surrounding hockey’s return to the city.

Press release 3992 CharactersPlain text

Milano has already collected five wins and sits near the top of the standings after the opening weeks of the 2026-27 win2day ICE Hockey League season. For Smith, however, the team’s early success is only part of the story. The new club has had to build its identity while constantly travelling, spending long periods away from families, its new home and the city it represents. “We all had to rely on each other to figure things out,” Smith explains. “We were with each other every day, so there was no escaping each other. We had no choice but to become a team.”

That unusual start to the season has helped create a strong bond within the squad. With new defencemen in front of him, Smith says trust has been built through shared experiences both on and off the ice. The goaltender also stresses that every game so far has been a collective effort.

The first home game against Innsbruck marks an important milestone for the organization. Smith describes the occasion as “full circle”, since Innsbruck was also connected to the team’s first practices and first league game. But it is the prospect of hearing Milano’s supporters for the first time that excites him most. “There has been a buzz around the city about it,” Smith says. “Getting to be in front of our home crowd is going to be something very special.”

In the podcast, Smith also shares his first impressions of the Fiera Ice Arena. He praises the quality of the ice, the speed of the boards and the arena’s Olympic legacy. From a goaltender’s perspective, he pays particular attention to the lighting and how the puck comes off the sticks, glass and boards.

According to Smith, Milano is not creating a hockey culture from scratch. Instead, the club is reawakening a community that has been waiting for hockey to return at this level. He recalls hearing about fan gatherings and old songs being sung again almost immediately after the team’s announcement.

The timing could hardly be more promising. Following the recent Winter Olympics and the increased attention on ice hockey in Italy, Smith believes Milano has a unique opportunity to build momentum and attract new supporters. “I think right now is the perfect time for everybody to capitalize on this ice hockey movement within Italy.”



The episode also focuses on Smith’s personal journey. For several seasons, he was viewed primarily as a reliable backup goaltender. Smith acknowledges that he needed to improve and gain more experience before establishing himself as a number-one goalie. A period away from the league gave him the opportunity to play regularly, develop his confidence and return with a stronger belief in his ability.

When Milano told him that they saw him as their starting goaltender, the moment had particular significance. Smith says he was grateful for the opportunity—but also knew he was ready to accept the responsibility. His new role will be tested immediately during Milano’s first home weekend. After the Innsbruck game, the club will face Bolzano in a highly anticipated derby. The matchup carries additional meaning for Smith, who began his professional career with the Foxes and won a championship title with the club.

There will be familiar faces on the opposite side of the ice, but Smith insists that his preparation and mindset will remain unchanged. He will approach the game just as he approaches any other—while admitting that facing his former club will add an extra spark.

The new podcast episode offers an inside look at Milano Hockey Club’s beginnings, the team’s ambitions and the personal story of a goaltender who has worked his way from backup to number one. With the club finally returning home, Jake Smith is ready for the next chapter to begin in front of the fans.

The "nICE to hear you" podcast is available on:

>> Spotify 
>> Apple Podcasts
>> Amazon Music
>> Youtube

Have a listen now: