Release from 26.07.2021

Transfer activities from three clubs

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The HCB Südtirol Alperia extended with captain Anton Bernard, who already enters his 13th season for the Foxes. At the iClinic Bratislava Capitals two-times World Champion and 436-times NHL player Nikolai Zherdev was signed. League newcomer HC Pustertal signed the last new defender for the coming season, with the Canadian Reece Willcox. 

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Thirteenth consecutive season in the jersey of the Foxes, the fourth as captain, 685 appearances, two Italian Championships (2009 and 2012), two ICE titles (2014 and 2018), an Italian Cup (2009) and two Italian Super Cups (2008 and 2012) Anton Bernard can already boast. HCB Südtirol Alperia can also count on the veteran again in the 2021/22 season.

The 32-year-old from Kaltern made his debut in the white-red jersey in 2008 and had his best playoff in terms of points last season, the same as in 2018: in the last 16 games of the past season he scored a total of 8 points (4 goals and 4 assists), making him the third best scorer of his team.

Anton Bernard: "I expect a balanced championship. Our squad will remain almost the same as last season, so we can be confident: The goal must be to take the final step, which we failed to do in April."

The increase in the number of teams could result in a shift in the balance in the ICE: "It is without a doubt a positive signal," Bernard continues, "a more broadly based championship is certainly an asset at all levels: I'm pleased that Znojmo and Ljubljana are back in the mix, and above all the derbies against Pustertal will again provide real excitement. Some teams have strengthened on the player market and I believe that especially Villach will be a strong competitor for the championship title: however, you have to see the different teams on the ice and only then you can judge who did a good job in the summer".

Ex-NHL-star Zherdev strengthens Bratislava
The iClinic Bratislava Capitals signed two-times World Champion and 436-times NHL player Nikolai Zherdev. The Russian, a native of Kiev/Ukraine, was clubless last season. Before that, the now 36-years-old was active with HK Ryazan.
Nikolai Zherdev had his the greatest times from 2004 to 2012. In the NHL, the forward scored 264 points (116G / 148A) for the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The right-shooter celebrated the IIHF World Championship titles with Russia in 2009 and 2012.

"Nikolai was one of the greatest Russian talents of his time. He is hungry for quality hockey and motivated to play at a high level. We will give Nikolai a chance and it is up to him if he can convince the club during the preseason that he can play the role we expect from him," said Bratislava Vice President Dušan Pašek.


Defense of HC Pustertal complete
With the signing of Canadian Reece Willcox, the defense of league newcomer HC Pustertal is complete. The 27-years-old moves from the Florida Everblades (ECHL) to South Tyrol. In addition, the right-shooter has already gained a lot of experience in the American Hockey League (272 games).

The 27-years-old Reece Willcox came to the NCAA from junior level and was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012. In 2016, he made it directly to the American Hockey League. Accordingly, the defender always remained part of the Flyers organization and played as a regular with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms until 2020.