Mattia Hinterkircher was invited by EHC Kloten to a try-out in August and managed to convince the club to sign him to a one-year contract. The 26-year-old was last under contract with HC Thurgau, with which he recorded 21 points (seven goals) in 47 games.
For his part, Melnalksnis, 22, joins EHC Kloten on a B-license basis from the SCL Tigers, the team with which he spent the majority of the last season. In 33 games with the Tigers, the Latvian forward who holds a Swiss player's license collected three points.
EHC Kloten team manager Patrik Bärtschi comments on the two reinforcements: "Hinterkircher is a power forward and will definitely help us with his energy. During the try out he could convince with his performance. Melnalksnis is a young player with a lot of potential. Both players could already integrate well into the team and we gain two good team players."
