Innsbruck signs Olympic experience, appoints interim coach

HC Innsbruck has had turbulent days.

Only recently, the Tyroleans parted ways with their coaching staff due to the poor sporting situation in the win2day ICE Hockey League (More info>>>).

On Wednesday, however, there is also positive news for the Tyroleans: As the Sharks announced, 28-year-old forward Parker Foo will strengthen the offense in the future. The Canadian-Chinese attacker most recently played for the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and brings extensive international experience to Innsbruck.

Foo, who participated with China in the 2022 Winter Olympics, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fifth round, 144th overall, in the 2017 NHL Draft. After three seasons at Union College in the North American NCAA, he moved to the KHL.

Coaching Solution Found

Since Wednesday, it is also clear who will serve as the team's interim head coach: As the Sharks announced, Ville Kolppanen and Daniel Mitterdorfer will temporarily lead the team.

Thus, the club is opting for an internal solution – until a new head coach is appointed. Ville Kolppanen has been part of the Sharks' coaching staff since October 2024 and currently serves as both the head coach of the U20 team and the club's goalie coach.

Mitterdorfer previously served as Business & Development Manager for the Sharks.