There is good news for the fans of HC Falkensteiner Pustertal (HCP): The 27-year-old American defenseman Austin Osmanski will continue to play for the Wolves in the upcoming season. With today's contract extension, HCP's defensive squad planning is almost complete.
The Pustertal's defense now consists of Glira, Zanatta, Di Tomaso, Blum, Lauridsen and the confirmed Austin Osmanski. The club also plans to integrate young talents during pre-season preparations.
Osmanski, who was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016 and came to Bruneck via the AHL/ECHL, collected seven scoring points in his first European season. As a classic stay-at-home defenseman, his focus is on defense. His security and stability, especially in front of his own goal, have steadily improved over the course of the last championship.
Osmanski was delighted with his return: "I really wanted to come back to HCP. Playing for you was something very special. The playoff atmosphere has always driven me. I can't wait to get back to Pustertal and start preparing for the season. I'm looking forward to a familiar environment and want to stay a Puschtra for a long time to come!"
Coach Jason Jaspers was also pleased: "Austin had problems at the beginning, but got better and better as the season went on and was our best defender in the play-offs. He did the dirty work and led the team in blocked shots and hits. We look forward to continuing to work with Austin. He will be a very important building block in our defense!"
The back number 36 thus continues to belong to the team player and hard-working Austin Osmanski, whose retention will give the HCP defense additional stability.
