New players in Vienna and Villach

The spusu Vienna Capitals are responding to the injury-related absences of Alex Wall and Brett Flemming on defence. They have signed American Steve Johnson, who is making his first move to Europe. The 26-year-old most recently played in the AHL for the Cleveland Monsters.

In 2014, he was selected 120th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL Draft, but never made an appearance. "I would describe myself as a hard-working two-way defenceman. I think I am a good skater who makes a good breakout pass and can be used in all game situations," said Johnson.

Overall, he has played 43 games in the AHL (Ontario Reign, Hershey Bears, Cleveland Monsters) and 85 games in the ECHL. "By signing Steve, we are creating greater flexibility on defence on the one hand, while on the other he will provide the necessary relief for our young homegrown defencemen during the upcoming intense phase of the season. After all, the physical strain during the Pick Round and the play-offs is enormous," explained Head Coach Dave Cameron.

The EC Grand Immo VSV have brought in a new goaltender for the next phase of the season. 30-year-old Czech Jakub Sedlacek is joining Villach, having already spent a short time in the league. In 2017/18, he tended goal for HC Bozen in six games, but despite a save percentage of 92,3 per cent, he left the ice as a winner only once.

The 30-year-old most recently played for HC Kosice in Slovakia, although Sedlacek also has KHL experience (four years with Dinamo Riga and a short spell with Slovan Bratislava). At the start of his career, he made two appearances in goal for the Czech national team.

"He has played almost 130 games in the KHL and impressed with an excellent save percentage. His strengths include very good rebound control, and he is also an agile goalie. It is also important that he is in match rhythm," reported goaltending coach Patrick Machreich. Sedlacek will arrive in Villach later today and could make his debut, of all places, in Bozen on Friday.