Release from 18.06.2021

New additions at Ljubljana, Salzburg and Znojmo

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The EC Red Bull Salzburg strengthens the defense with 32-year-old T.J. Brennan, who comes from Swiss League club HC Thurgau. The defender was under contract in the NHL for several years and played over 700 games in the American Hockey League. While Sébastien Piché moves from the Steinbach Black Wings 1992 to HK SŽ Olimpija, HC Orli Znojmo signs Canadian defenceman Connor Walters.

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T.J. Brennan was drafted in the 2nd round in 2007 by the Buffalo Sabres, for whom he played a total of 21 games from 2011-2013. He subsequently laced up his skates in the NHL for the Florida Panthers (2013) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (2014-2015). In a total of 53 NHL appearances, the defenceman scored 13 points (5 goals/8 assists). Brennan also played 679 regular season games in the AHL. He scored a total of 478 points (157 goals/321 assists) for Portland, Rochester, Toronto, Rockford and Lehigh. In addition, he made 63 playoff appearances with 44 points (18 goals/26 assists). Three times Brennan finished an AHL season as the league's top scoring defensive player, and four times he was the top scorer among all defensemen. His performances earned him five invitations to the AHL All-Star team and two honours as the AHL's best defenceman.

Due to the Coronavirus situation, Brennan moved to Europe for the first time in his career last season. He played for HC Thurgau and had 24 points in 21 games in the Swiss league (10 goals/14 assists) and 4 points in 6 playoff games (2 goals/2 assists). His 10 goals in the main round were the most in the league among all defensive players.

"The Red Bulls are known as a top notch organisation. The club wants to win titles and create an environment where you can grow as a player and be successful. This is where the club and I are on the same page in our priorities and morals. I'm excited to be part of the Red Bulls family and to help hopefully win the championship," said the newcomer.

Piché moves to Ljubljana
After Sébastien Piché spent the first four years of his professional career in the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League, he transferred to Bolzano in 2013. He won the title straight away with the South Tyroleans, and the Canadian spent the next four seasons in Linz. Last season, Piché returned to the Steinbach Black Wings in 1992 after playing in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 47 games in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League, the 33-year-old recorded one goal and twelve assists. In a total of 342 league games, he had 259 points (65 goals, 194 assists). Now Piché is starting a new chapter with league newcomer HK SŽ Olimpija Ljubljana.

New defender for Znojmo
HC Orli Znojmo announced the signing of 24-year-old Connor Walters. The defender gained experience in his native Canada so far. After 298 games - first with Owen Sound Attack and later with the Hamilton Bulldogs - he left the Ontario Hockey League with a title win. Walters spent the next two seasons at Brock University in the USports League. The 24-year-old did not play in any competitive games last year due to the global Coronavirus pandemic. With Walters, Znojmo already has eight defenders in the squad. On the offensive side, the team is looking for more reinforcements.