Salzburg sign Brian Lebler. – Bolzano and Vienna are also adjusting again.
On the last day before the transfer deadline in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League, a few teams became active again. EC Red Bull Salzburg signed 33-year-old goalscorer Brian Lebler from Steinbach Black Wings Linz. While Simeon Schwinger switched from Dornbirn to the spusu Vienna Capitals, HCB Südtirol Alperia has strengthened its defense with two newcomers. Goalie Andreas Bernard, who made 30 appearances for EC Grand Immo VSV this season, and experienced Finnish defender Markus Kankaanperä have joined the runners-up.
In 46 games of this year’s championship for the Steinbach Black Wings Linz, Brian Lebler recorded 25 goals and 20 assists. Not only this season, but a total of ten years, interrupted only by a DEL season in Ingolstadt (2015/16), the 33-year-old has already played for the Linz top club and has been in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey played League long ago made a name for itself. The forward is the top-scoring forward in five seasons including last season and was awarded the Ron Kennedy Trophy for league MVP in 2015.
“In the last two years with Linz, the playoffs don’t reach the war or it’s really hard for me. I always want to play for the championship at the highest level and I am therefore very grateful for the opportunity to contest this phase with the Red Bulls this year. That’s like a bonus for me. I know the mentality of the Red Bulls and the claim to play for the title every year. I’m happy to be part of the Salzburg team this time and I’ll do everything I can to help the team,” reports the ÖEHV team striker, who could already make his debut with the table leaders in the home game against HC TIWAG Innsbruck “Die Haie” on Friday.
Schwinger moves from Dornbirn to Vienna
The spusu Vienna Capitals strengthened their squad for the playoffs with Simeon Schwinger. The 24-year-old Austrian, with nine goals and nine assists in 44 games, is the Dornbirn Bulldogs’ third-best red-white-red scorer this season. Schwinger, a 12-time team player, is said to bring more depth to Austria’s capital city club during the “fifth season”. “He’s a fast, technically strong striker,” says head coach Dave Barr, outlining the qualities of his reinforcements.
Goalie change and new defender at Bolzano
On the last day of the transfer market, HCB Südtirol Alperia was active again. Due to the absence of Ivan Tauferer until the end of the season (just like probably Simon Pitschieler) the Bozner felt compelled to make changes to the defensive. The Bolzano goal will again be guarded by Andreas Bernard, who played 30 games for EC Grand Immo VSV this season and had a catch rate of 89.7 percent. It is already the third adventure with the foxes for the 31-year-old. With his return, Kevin Boyle’s engagement in South Tyrol also ends. In addition, the HCB brought in the experienced Finn Markus Kankaanperä. The 41-year-old defender played 1,220 games in the Finnish Liiga in his career.
Photo: Bernd Stefan