Ice hockey

New Shark brings great potential and heart

Garrett McFadden with girlfriend Emma.(Bild: zVg)

Innsbruck's ice hockey club presented another new signing for the 2024/25 ICE season on Wednesday: defenceman Garrett McFadden. The Canadian is legionnaire number five in the Sharks squad, with four spots for import players still open.

Two days after Patrick Grasso, the Sharks presented their next new signing, Garrett McFadden. Unlike the US forward, the Canadian defenseman already has European experience, having played in Slovakia and the Czech Republic last season. Both in the top league.

Award for humanity
"I've spoken to a lot of people, including former Haie players, and have only heard good things about the fans, the club and the city," says the 26-year-old, who has a big heart. In the Canadian Junior League, he was awarded the Humanity Award in 2017 and 2018 and founded "McFadden's Movement", a non-profit organization to support the mental health of players.

Garrett is a huge boost. We are very happy to have a player of his caliber in the team. He can play anything as a defenseman, can be used in any situation. On and off the ice, he's a complete professional and an absolute leader.

Trainer Jordan Smotherman

Great leadership personality
"Garrett is an absolute leader on and off the ice, a huge boost," says new coach Jordan Smotherman. "He has the potential to be one of the best defensemen in the league and is also someone who thinks outside the box," believes sports manager Max Steinacher.