Release from 23.02.2022

Salzburg signs Brian Lebler for playoffs

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On the last day before the transfer deadline in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League, some teams became active once again. EC Red Bull Salzburg signed 33-year-old Brian Lebler from Steinbach Black Wings Linz. While Simeon Schwinger moved from Dornbirn to the spusu Vienna Capitals, HCB Südtirol Alperia strengthened their defence with two new arrivals. Goalie Andreas Bernard, who previously played 30 games for EC Grand Immo VSV this season, and experienced Finnish defender Markus Kankaanperä joined the runners-up.

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In 46 games in this year's championship for the Steinbach Black Wings Linz, Brian Lebler recorded 25 goals and 20 assists. Not only this season, but for a total of ten years, interrupted only by a DEL season in Ingolstadt (2015/16), the 33-year-old has already played for Linz's top club and has long since made a name for himself in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League. The forward has scored the most goals in five seasons including last campaign and was awarded the Ron Kennedy Trophy for league MVP in 2015.

"Not making the playoffs the last two years with Linz was or is really tough for me. I always want to compete at the highest level for the championship, so I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be able to compete at this stage with the Red Bulls this year. It's like a bonus for me. I know the mentality of the Red Bulls and the ambition to play for the title every year. I'm looking forward to being part of the Salzburg team this time and I'll do everything I can to help the team," reports the ÖEHV team forward, who could already make his debut for the league leaders on Friday in the home game against HC TIWAG Innsbruck.



Schwinger moves from Dornbirn to Vienna

The spusu Vienna Capitals strengthened their squad for the playoffs with Simeon Schwinger. The 24-year-old, with nine goals and nine assists in 44 games the third-best Austrian scorer of the Dornbirn Bulldogs in the current season, will put on the yellow-black jersey in the decisive phase of the season. Schwinger, a twelve-time national team player, is expected to add depth to the Caps teams during the "fifth season". "He is a fast, technically strong forward," head coach Dave Barr outlines the qualities of his reinforcement.



Goalie change and new defender at Bolzano

On the last day of the transfer market, HCB Südtirol Alperia was also active again. Due to the absence of injured Ivan Tauferer until the end of the season (as well as probably Simon Pitschieler), the team from Bolzano was forced to make changes in the defence. Andreas Bernard, who played 30 games for EC Grand Immo VSV this season and had a save percentage of 89.7 percent, will once again be the HCB gaolie. This will be the 31-year-old's third adventure with the Foxes. His return also marks the end of Kevin Boyle's engagement in South Tyrol. The HCB also added experienced Finn Markus Kankaanperä to their roster. The 41-year-old defender played 1,220 games in the Finnish Liiga during his career.