Klobenstein - A bang in the Alps Hockey League: The sporting management of the Rittner Buam SkyAlps pulled the ripcord today, February 2, 2026. Dave MacQueen is no longer coach of the traditional South Tyrolean club. The reason for this drastic decision is the failure in the first phase of the season, in which the team missed out on a place in the coveted Master Round. For the club management, this step was unavoidable in order to positively influence the further course of the championship.
A necessary signal to the team
Sports directors Dan Tudin and Alexander Eisath explained in unison that they had to send out a clear signal after the disappointing results of recent weeks. Although the cooperation with MacQueen was always appreciated on a professional level, the management felt compelled to give the team new impetus by changing the coach. A significant improvement and a reaction from the players on the ice is expected for the upcoming tasks in the Alps Hockey League.
The club expressly thanked Dave MacQueen for his commitment over the past few months and emphasized that the decision was primarily aimed at not completely losing sight of the season's objectives for the remaining games.
Mike Halmo takes the reins
The succession has already been arranged internally: Mike Halmo moves up from assistant coach to new head coach. The former striker, who only ended his active career last year after successful seasons with HCB Südtirol, joined the Rittner coaching staff in the summer of 2025. In addition to his previous role as assistant coach, he also coached the club's U19 team.
He will be assisted by the experienced Rittner Roberto Scelfo. The 54-year-old, who is already deeply rooted in the Junior Buam's youth department, will support Halmo as assistant coach for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The new coaching team will now lead the Rittner Buam SkyAlps back on the road to success and prepare the team for the challenges ahead.
