A legionnaire for Graz

The 99ers land the next top defenseman

Nick Albano (r.) joins the 99ers from Innsbruck(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Not a week without transfer news from the Liebenau ice rink! 99ers sporting director Philipp Pinter was able to lure a desired defenseman away from a league rival. The rookie moves to Graz for two years.

Eleven goals, 23 assists in 49 games in the domestic ICEHL, four more points in the Champions Hockey League. US defenseman Nick Albano achieved this remarkable record in the past season.

Squad of the 99ers

Goal: Nico Wieser (until '24/25)
Defense: Jacob Pfeffer ('24/25), Michael Kernberger ('24/25 +1), Kilian Zündel ('26/27), Nick Albano ('25/26)
Storm: Lukas Haudum ('26/27), Kevin Roy ('25/26), Sam Antonitsch ('24/25), Clemens Krainz ('24/25), Michael Schiechl ('25/26), Lenz Moosbrugger ('26/27), Lukas Kainz ('25/26)

After just one year with the Innsbruck Sharks, the 27-year-old is moving to the Mur to join the 99ers. "A lot is happening in Graz right now," Albano is quoted as saying in a statement from the club. "I'm delighted to be here. With the team we will have available in Graz, I see no reason why we shouldn't be successful."

"Not yet at the zenith"
Sporting director Philipp Pinter was full of praise for the new signing: "He's a very good defender in terms of play and running, but he's still a long way from reaching his personal peak."

Albano is the second new signing from Innsbruck after playmaker Kevin Roy. The 99ers now have a total of eleven outfield players and one goalie in the squad for next season.