Release from 02.05.2024

Vienna hires Predan | Salzburg with another roster update

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The spusu Vienna Capitals have signed Aljaž Predan for the upcoming season in the win2day ICE Hockey League, as the 23-year-old has left Olimpija Ljubljana after one season and signed a contract for the next two campaigns in Vienna.

Further, the EC Red Bull Salzburg squad for the 2024/25 season in the win2day ICE Hockey League continues to take shape, as the reigning champions extended their collaboration with Florian Baltram, while Mario Huber and Lucas Thaler have current contracts.

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Born in Ptuj, Slovenia, Aljaž Predan joined the EC Red Bull Salzburg academy as a youngster, where the forward spent the majority of his ice hockey training. On January 26, 2020, the Austrian made his debut in the 1-2 shootout defeat against Villach and promptly contributed his first assist. Predan, who became an Austrian citizen the previous year and renounced his native country's citizenship, played a total of 105 competitive games for the EC Red Bull Salzburg professional team and won two win2day ICE Hockey League titles with the Bulls.

After his stint in Salzburg, the forward moved to Olimpija Ljubljana. In the Slovenian capital, the now 23-year-old played a bigger role on the ice than in Salzburg. In a total of 53 competitive games for the Dragons, the left winger scored 35 points (13 goals + 22 assists).

Three more players stay with the champions
Mario Huber has been one of the reliable pillars of the Salzburg team for seven years and has continuously developed into a leading player from season to season. His strong drive to score – with 6 goals in the playoffs, he was Salzburg's third-best scorer in the postseason – and his tireless work at the back make him an all-rounder who has played a decisive role in Salzburg's success.

Florian Baltram is also one of Salzburg's long-term players, having played his part in four championship titles with the Red Bulls. The Lower Austrian played his best season to date last season and has increasingly made a name for himself as a team-oriented player who also helps out in defense. With 26 assists, he is one of Salzburg's best assist providers and scored ten goals on top of that.

Lucas Thaler took a big step forward in his development last season. The 22-year-old talent from Villach set a new personal best with a total of 29 scoring points (14 goals, 15 assists).