The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce the signing of their first-ever Italian-born player, forward, Diego Glück. The 6’2, 201lb center is from Selva di Vald Gardena, in the Italian Alps. Last season, he split time between HC Gherdëina’s U19 and AlpsHL teams. Glück was born August 29, 1999.

For the U19 team, Glück led his team in scoring, with a stat line of 20GP-14G-27A-41Pts. His 41 Points were good for 3rd-most in the Italian U19 league, and his 27 Assists led all players. Glück also played 33 Games, scoring 5 Points, for the senior team in the AlpsHL. Glück was the youngest forward on his team, in a league that features the likes of former NHLer, Yan Stastny. In 2017, Glück represented his home country in both the U18 and U20 World Junior Championships. He was named an Assistant Captain of the U18 team, and recorded his first goal on the international stage.

HC Gherdëina star forward, Colin Long noted, "Diego is a big speedy kid, with good skill and strength. He can finish around the net. Also, he's a good person off the ice."

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, commented, “Signing Diego is really a great story. He played in the AlpsHL, last year, with former NHL draft pick and Southern California hockey product, Colin Long. Colin recommended him to me, and then Diego made an 8-hour drive, each way, to attend our camp in Brno, Czech Republic. When he stepped on the ice, we knew he would be a great fit. He’s a big center, that plays a very mature game. You can tell he has played at the senior level, in many of the little things that he does. We had a great discussion, after camp, and I think he is going to be a huge asset to our club. He is the type of player that can be successful in a variety of ways, and he gives us two big bodies down the middle, along with Erik Sillerström, that are going to be a nightmare for opponents to deal with.”

Diego’s Player Profile Page: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/388393/diego-gluck

Q & A WITH DIEGO GLÜCK:

Last season, for the second-straight year, you put up over 40 points for the U19 Gherdëina team, while also playing for the AlpsHL senior team. What adjustments do you make, to be successful in the WSHL?

In order to start off well in the upcoming season, I want to become faster, bigger, and stronger. I have to work on my agility, but the coaches here in Val Gherdëina are doing a very good job to prepare us well. The key to success is the effort and the heart you put into your practice. I try to get better day by day.

You played along side Southern California native, and former Phoenix Coyotes draft pick, Colin Long. Did he have any influence on you signing with the Long Beach Bombers?

Colin is a very nice guy. He told me he would have some good connections in California. That’s how I got to know about the Long Beach Bombers. Colin said Long Beach could be one of the best destinations for me to play hockey next season, and of course, I took his advice into consideration!

You made the 8-hour drive to attend the Bombers first-ever Czech-Slovak Prospects Camp, in Brno, Czech Republic. What do you remember about that experience?

At first, I was quite nervous to go on the ice, because I hadn’t been on the ice for one and a half months. As the day went on, things got easier, but I have to say that at the end of the day I was pretty tired. It was a good experience, although it was my first attempt at a tryout, ever.

In 2017, you had the honor of representing your home country of Italy at the U18 and U20 World Junior Championships. How special was that, for you?

This is probably one of my best experiences ever. It was amazing. The fact that you are representing your country in an IIHF WC Tournament is simply awesome. One of the best parts of it, is that you make new friends and have a good time outside of the ice rink, too.

What type of player should Bombers fans expect to see, when Diego Glück steps on the ice?

I think they can expect a hard working player who puts all of his heart on the ice, into the team, and gives 100% effort on every shift.

What are you most looking forward to, both on and off the ice, in Long Beach?

I’m looking forward to meeting my new squad, and getting to know the whole Bombers family. I think the upcoming hockey season will be outstanding. Long Beach seems to be breathtaking, I can’t wait to be there!