Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of HC Bolzano's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Italian team - here's what they had to say!
Ilves Tampere Head Coach Antti Pennanen: “Bolzano have been a top team and have become used to success in recent years. They are very disciplined and always put a very competitive team on the ice – it’s going to be a great challenge competing with them!”
Lahti Pelicans Head Coach Tommi Niemelä: “The best team in Italy – an experienced squad with a strong influence of North American hockey.”
Stavanger Oilers Head Coach Anders Gjøse: “Last season they had a pretty experienced group with a good mix of internationals.”
Adler Mannheim Head Coach Johan Lundskog: “Finalists in two of the last three seasons of the ICE, regular season winners of two of the last three seasons. That speaks for itself. Definitely a tough opponent and a great challenge for us.”
Genève-Servette Head Coach Jan Cadieux: “Bolzano won the regular season ahead of Salzburg. They scored more than 2.20 points per game over a whole season, which is remarkable! Unfortunately, they lost in the playoffs final, but they’re a formidable team!”
Belfast Giants Head Coach Adam Keefe: “HC Bolzano are a proud club, remaining the most successful team in the history of top-tier Italian ice hockey with 19 championships. Their roster is full of top-quality players with a lot of experience and we look forward to facing off right here in Belfast.”
Find out more about HC Bolzano in the video below!