Release from 20.06.2025

Top Defenders for Linz and Pustertal

Short text 314 CharactersPlain text

Two teams from the win2day ICE Hockey League have announced key additions to their defensive lines: Steinbach Black Wings Linz have signed right-shot Canadian defenseman Ryan MacKinnon from the Slovak Extraliga, while HC Pustertal have landed experienced American blueliner Jonathon Blum from EHC Red Bull München.

Press release 2118 CharactersPlain text

Black Wings sign Ryan MacKinnon
Linz responded to an open import spot on their blue line by bringing in Ryan MacKinnon, a 30-year-old right-handed defenseman from Canada. MacKinnon joins from Slovak top-tier club HK Spišská Nová Ves and brings with him valuable North American experience as well as a strong debut season in Europe. Last year, he posted 33 points (10 goals) in 39 games, making him the highest-scoring defenseman on his team and a key contributor to their first-ever stint at the top of the standings since rejoining the league.

MacKinnon is no stranger to Linz head coach Philipp Lukas – the two were already in contact two years ago. In North America, MacKinnon played 93 games in the AHL (Bridgeport, Belleville) and over 140 games in the ECHL (Worcester, Reading), where he collected 62 points. Known for his versatility and hockey IQ, MacKinnon is expected to take on a central role with the Black Wings and will wear jersey number 4.

Pustertal signs top-tier defender from Red Bull München
HC Pustertal have made a high-profile move by signing Jonathon Blum, a veteran defenseman with a strong international resume. The 36-year-old Californian brings extensive experience to South Tyrol: 122 NHL games (Nashville, Minnesota), 352 AHL appearances, four seasons in the KHL – where he also served as captain – and most recently a successful stint with Red Bull München in the DEL. There, he tallied 190 points across 267 games over four seasons and won the championship in 2023.

Drafted in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft, Blum has represented Team USA at multiple World Junior Championships and the 2018 Winter Olympics. In Europe, he has consistently impressed not only with his offensive contributions but also with his leadership on and off the ice. In Munich, he was known as a steady performer, a key playmaker, and a fan favorite. The skilled right-shot defender will wear jersey number 24 in Pustertal and is expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s defensive core. According to the club, two import spots on defense are still open.