Release from 23.06.2026

Shane Gersich moves from Bolzano to Vienna

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Shane Gersich is transferring from HCB Südtirol Alperia to the Vienna Capitals. Meanwhile, Hockey Club Milano has signed U.S. forward Blake McLaughlin, the Pioneers Vorarlberg have added Oliver Lam, and Jesper Jensen Aabo will remain with EC-KAC.

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The Vienna Capitals have signed forward Shane Gersich. The 29-year-old American joins from HCB Südtirol Alperia, where he ranked among the team’s top scorers with 42 points in 53 games. The former NHL player (five appearances for the eventual Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals) also brings extensive AHL experience and has previously played in Sweden’s second division as well as in the DEL.

Shane Gersich: “I got to know the Capitals organization through our matchups last season and already had the impression that Vienna is a great place to play hockey. The fans are fantastic and the city is beautiful. After speaking with head coach Mike Stewart, I felt that I would be a perfect fit here. The opportunity to play in front of a full arena and to be part of a highly competitive team this year makes me really excited for the upcoming season.”

New signings in Milan and Vorarlberg
Hockey Club Milano has signed U.S. forward Blake McLaughlin. The 26-year-old left shot arrives from Vålerenga Oslo, where he led the regular season in scoring last year with 46 points in 45 games. Prior to that, McLaughlin gained experience in both the AHL and ECHL.

Oliver Lam moves from EC-KAC to the Pioneers Vorarlberg. Over the past five years, the 20-year-old forward played 70 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League for Klagenfurt and also saw action in the Alps Hockey League. In addition, Lam has represented Austria at the U18 and U20 national team levels.

Jensen Aabo stays in Klagenfurt
Jesper Jensen Aabo will remain with EC-KAC. The 34-year-old Danish national team captain is entering his fifth season in Klagenfurt. The experienced defenseman has played 190 games in the win2day ICE Hockey League, recording 98 points. With KAC, Jensen Aabo reached two finals, won the regular season twice, and qualified for the Champions Hockey League three times.