The Pensacola Ice Flyers added 23-year-old goaltender Kilian Bernasconi for the 2026-27 season. The signing gives Bernasconi his first opportunity to continue his professional career in North America. It also will be his first season with the Pensacola Ice Flyers.
Bernasconi spent the 2025-26 season in Switzerland with the HC Ajoie organization in the National League. He also appeared in two games for HC Franches-Montagnes in the MyHL and posted a 2.02 goals-against average. The 2026-27 season will be his first professional season in North America.
Bernasconi developed through Swiss hockey
Bernasconi is from Lugano, Switzerland, and is listed at 6 feet, 2 inches and 163 pounds. He catches left and began his development with HC Lugano before progressing through Switzerland’s junior system. Bernasconi made his professional debut with HCB Ticino Rockets in the Swiss League during the 2020-21 season.
He recorded a 2.45 goals-against average in 26 regular-season appearances for HC Ambri-Piotta’s U20 program during the 2022-23 season. Bernasconi then appeared in 13 games for EHC Arosa during the 2023-24 season and posted a 2.34 goals-against average. His recent experience includes time at multiple levels of hockey in Switzerland.
Jeremy Gates cites Bernasconi’s athleticism
Pensacola Ice Flyers Head Coach Jeremy Gates said Bernasconi’s development and experience in Switzerland stood out to the organization. Gates also pointed to the goaltender’s size and approach in the crease.
“We’re excited to bring Kilian Bernasconi to Pensacola,” Gates said. “He’s a young goaltender who has developed through the Swiss hockey system and has already gained experience at several levels of professional hockey. We really like his size, athleticism, and the way he competes in the crease, and we believe there is a lot of upside in his game. This is a great opportunity for Kilian to come over to North America, continue his development, and compete for our team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in Pensacola.”
Bernasconi targets consistency in net
Bernasconi said the Pensacola Ice Flyers’ team and arena atmosphere appealed to him. He also identified his approach for the upcoming season.
“The Pensacola Ice Flyers are a good team, with lots of fans, and a big arena atmosphere,” Bernasconi said. “My goal this season is to stay concentrated, calm, and to be consistent in net.”
FSB Take
The signing brings the Pensacola Ice Flyers a 23-year-old goaltender with experience in Switzerland’s National League, MyHL and Swiss League systems. Bernasconi also has a documented development path through HC Lugano, HCB Ticino Rockets, HC Ambri-Piotta’s U20 program and EHC Arosa. His first professional season in North America will make the 2026-27 campaign a significant next step in his career.
Source: Original report