Fribourg completes roster with rumored Borgström, Kapla, Hedlund

HC Fribourg-Gottéron has revealed their roster for the coming season. It includes three previously unconfirmed but speculated additions - defenseman Michael Kapla, as well as forwards Henrik Borgström and Lucas Hedlund. Besides them, Kevin Etter has been granted an extension, and Elijah Neuenschwander is listed as part of the main squad.

Kapla, 30, joins the Dragons from the SHL's Rögle BK, where he spent the last three seasons. Prior to that, he suited up for Skellefteå AIK, Västerviks IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan, and even before that in North America, mostly in the AHL.

27-year-old Borgström also joins from the SHL, in his case from HV71. He started his career with Jokerit but went overseas at the age of 19. Starting in the NCAA, he made his way to professional hockey and played in both the NHL and the AHL. In 2020, he returned to Finland for one season with HIFK, then had another two years overseas before joining HV71.

The youngest of the trio, Lucas Hedlund, was previously part of the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers' youth department. Last season, the 19-year-old made his first appearances in men's hockey, suiting up 44 times on loan for EHC Winterthur. Thanks to his father, Stefan Hedlund, the Swede is in possession of a Swiss player's licence.

Another young addition is Elijah Neuenschwander, albeit from Fribourg's own juniors. How much National League action the 18-year-old will get remains to be seen, but he is listed on the main roster for now.

Reported to be in talks about a new contract, it seems that the club and Kevin Etter have managed to come to terms, as the forward is still figuring on the roster. The extension is valid until 2026.

On the departing side, netminder Bryan Rüegger, defenseman Noah Delémont, and forward Santiago Näf are all gone.

Regarding the coaching staff, Rikard Franzén is confirmed to join head coach Roger Rönnberg as assistant, alongside Lars Leuenberger.