Milano announces the signing of Canadian defenseman and former Bolzano player Scott Valentine for the 2026-27 ICE Hockey League season. With his arrival, the club completes its contingent of ten import players permitted under league regulations, adding a defenceman of considerable international experience and deep knowledge of the championship to the blue line.
Born in Metcalfe, Ontario, on May 2, 1991, Valentine (185 cm, 100 kg, shoots left) is a highly reliable defensive defenceman, recognised for his solidity away from the puck, his physical presence in front of the net and his effectiveness on the penalty kill. A leader and point of reference for his teammates, he plays the position with tactical discipline, intensity and consistency.
Selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the sixth round of the 2009 NHL Draft (166th overall), Valentine built the first part of his professional career in North America. After the draft he signed an entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, who assigned him to the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL, where he played three seasons (also taking part in NHL training camps and pre-season exhibition games). He completed his North American journey with an ECHL stint at the Idaho Steelheads and a further AHL spell with the Texas Stars. His overall AHL totals stand at 243 appearances, 43 points, 281 penalty minutes and a plus/minus of +3.
His move to Europe in 2015 marked the start of a long career in the German DEL: after a first season with the Krefeld Penguins, he moved to the Augsburger Panther, where he went on to play six further consecutive seasons. He closed out his DEL career with a combined total of 315 appearances and 79 points across regular season and playoffs (plus 8 Champions Hockey League appearances and 5 points).
From 2022 through last season, Valentine wore the colours of HC Bolzano, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defencemen in the ICE Hockey League. Over four seasons in South Tyrol, he contributed consistently to the team's results, reaching the final in 2023. Statistically, his contribution there amounts to 233 appearances, 69 points, 218 penalty minutes and a notable plus/minus of +40 (plus 12 Champions Hockey League appearances and 3 points). In Milan he reunites with coach Shedden, who coached him last season.
