Big names, strong resumes and high expectations: The ICE Hockey League once again experienced numerous prominent newcomers ahead of the 2025/26 season. But not every transfer developed as hoped. While some legionnaires hit the ground running, others have so far fallen well short of expectations despite their impressive CVs. A look at those new additions from external leagues that are considered the biggest flops of the current season so far. Yesterday we focused on the top transfers in the league – Part 1, Part 2.
JC Lipon (HC Pustertal)
JC Lipon came to Pustertal with great praise and was presented as an absolute top transfer. After strong years in the DEL with the Straubing Tigers as well as stints in the KHL and SHL, the 32-year-old Canadian owed a lot. Only eight goals in 37 games and a plus/minus value of -3 are clearly not enough for a power forward in this class. The Wolves had hoped for much more, especially since Lipon is still under contract for the coming season.
Troy Lajuenesse (HC Innsbruck)
It is well known that HC Innsbruck needs a lucky hand with its legionnaires – but this plan did not work for Troy Lajuenesse. The 28-year-old Canadian came to the Inn with an impressive resume, including top scorer titles in the EIHL and the Danish league as well as 34 goals for Aalborg in the previous season. However, he never really caught on in Innsbruck and only managed seven goals and 15 assists in 40 games. The massive minus value of -25 underlines the disappointment.
Clayton Kirichenko (Olimpija Ljubljana)
Two years ago, Clayton Kirichenko was one of the best defenders in the league with the Pioneers Vorarlberg. After less successful stints in Slovakia and Germany, the 28-year-old was supposed to find his old strength again at Olimpija Ljubljana. To date, however, he has remained far from that: one goal and 15 assists in 43 games are no comparison to his top ICEHL year with over 40 points. The hoped-for impact clearly failed to materialize.
Adam Almquist (HC Pustertal)
With Adam Almquist, HC Pustertal signed an extremely experienced defender who was active in Europe’s top leagues for years, most recently in the DEL with the Kölner Haien. The Swede came to the Wolves after a long period without a contract, but has not been able to impress so far. Seven points in 19 games are still acceptable, but his often lackluster performances are more serious. The veteran fell short of expectations, especially defensively.
Image: HCI/PAPA Productions
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