Release from 05.07.2021

Transfers at Linz, Pustertal and Fehérvár

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On Monday, Steinbach Black Wings Linz, HC Pustertal and Fehérvár AV19 announced squad updates for the 2021/22 bet-at-home ICE Hockey League season.

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Black Wings provide Egger and Freunschlag with contract
Steinbach Black Wings Linz have signed goalkeeper Luca Egger and forward Stefan Freunschlag. While Freunschlag already played in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League last season, Egger can hope for his debut.

The Black Wings came to an agreement with goalie Luca Egger. Due to the contract termination of Jussi Rynnäs, the Black Wings are still looking for another goalkeeper despite the signing of Egger. The VSV-trained goalkeeper Luca Egger moved to the Steel Wings Linz last season and played 20 games there.

The Linz team also secured the services of a homegrown player in Stefan Freunschlag. The 24-year-old forward has played 92 first league games and 56 Alps Hockey League games to date.

Defender change at Fehérvár AV19
After Paul Geiger asked to terminate his contract with Hydro Fehérvár AV19, the Hungarians compensate the loss with Canadian defender Joshua Atkinson.

Paul Geiger, who decided to pursue a career off the ice despite his contract for the upcoming season, will not return to Hydro Fehérvár AV19. The vacated spot has been filled by Josh Atkinson. The 28-year-old forward has been a professional since 2016, first touring with several teams in the ECHL before suiting up for Iowa Wild in the last two seasons.

Josh Atkinson: "I decided to continue in Europe because I see this as a good opportunity for the next part of my career. I am very excited to return to Hungary, as I have been to the country several times as a tourist. Also, during our discussions with Viktor Szélig, it became clear that a competitive team is planned in Fehérvár, so I'm really looking forward to going as far as possible in the championship with my new teammates."

Goalie for Pustertal
HC Pustertal has found a new goalie. The Danish / U.S. dual national Tomas Sholl will stand between the posts for the Wolves in the coming season.

The left wing Tomas Sholl is still largely unknown in Europe. The now 26-year-old played in the NCAA, the American college league, as a junior. Sholl played for Bowling Green State University for a total of four years, then followed the jump to professional hockey. In 2017, the goalie posted top marks in the SPHL and earned honors in the "East Coast" (ECHL). Sholl performed especially strongly for the Idaho Steelheads, earning all-star call-ups and top catch rates. In 2018 and 2019, the dual-citizen reached the Division Finals with Idaho in each year - he was even named the ECHL's "Goalie of the Year" in 2020. Last season, the 183 cm tall goalie started in the Slovak Extra League with HC 07 Detva. After the start of the American Hockey League in February 2021, the return overseas followed, Sholl played twelve times for the Texas Stars.