Alex Bitan moves to HC Pustertal

03/23/2023

HC Pustertal reshuffles the attack

HC Pustertal can announce its first new signing. After last season with the absence of the playoffs, the wolves want to “come back” and try to build a strong team with leaders. The new striker in the Wolves jersey fits this profile: Alex Bitan becomes an HCP player!

The Italian-Canadian — cousin of #19 HC Pustertal Dante Hannoun — has taken the NCAA coaching path. Bitan spent 4 years at Michigan Tech breaking into professional hockey at the age of 24.

After 50 games (38 points) in the ECHL and 28 games (12 points) in the AHL, the jump to Europe followed. With HC Bozen, the right-handed shooter immediately won the EBEL title in 2018, followed in the summer of 2019 by the Iserlohn Roosters in the DEL. There he missed the playoffs and led the trip to Hungary to the Hydro Fehervar AV19. Meanwhile, 3 years have passed and the offensive game of the “Red Devils” from Hungary played the signing of the energetic Alex Bitan.

In Fehervar’s years, at least in the quarter-finals he always looked out for his team, for Bitan and the Hungarians, of course, participation in the final in 2022 will not be forgotten. On the way to the final, Fehervar eliminated Pustertal and Villach.

Now the sports management of Wolves in the Storm is shuffling the cards and signing the assistant captain of the Italian national team (7 points for the World Cup from 14 matches). Next, the winger will go to training camp with the ‘Azzurri’ and can look forward to a highlight for HCP fans: Italy v Austria on April 12 gives Pétain a “real first game” at home at the Intercable Arena.

Patrick Bona: “Alex Bitan was one of our absolute dream players and he is certainly one of the best cracks in terms of players with an Italian passport. He has a lot of experience in the league, is a very good skater, has a good nose for goals and can help us as an all-around player in many positions.” .

Short interview:

Alex, what made you decide to switch to HC Pustertal?

betaine: “First of all I have to say that I am very happy with the opportunity to play for HC Pustertal in the future. After what I have experienced as an opponent here in Brunek for the past two seasons, I always thought that this would be a great place to play hockey. The new arena is fantastic and captivated me from the start. HCP fans Super enthusiastic and support the team and club with great pride and commitment. I am really looking forward to being part of such a special community and a beautiful city. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this amazing mountain landscape every morning to go to work!”

What are you looking forward to most?

betaine: “I am very excited to be playing in front of the Wolverhampton fans and to be part of the Poshtra community and a new club very keen to take the next steps towards becoming a top team in the ICEHL.”

What are your goals?

betaine: “My goal as a new HCP player is to bring passion and enthusiasm to the team, on and off the ice. I want to use my experience to take a leadership role and help the club achieve its goal of becoming a play-off team again.”

A few words for the fans.

betaine: “I can’t wait to put on the black and yellow jersey and with all of you make next season something special. Have a nice summer everyone and I’m really looking forward to seeing you all in Brunek in August!”