Lugano is Joey LaLeggia's first club in Switzerland. Since he moved to Europe in 2020, he has been playing in the Swedish top league SHL. In three seasons, he suited up for three teams there: Rögle BK, Timra IK, and, most recently, HV71.
His move to Switzerland was made possible due to a out-clause in his contract, Lugano's team manager Hnat Domenichelli states: "He enforced an out clause from his contract with the Swedish club where he played last season and this made the deal possible without any financial compensation from Lugano."
Domenichelli describes the 31-year-old as a "two-way defenseman with excellent skating". Joey LaLeggia definitely also brings offensive qualities to Lugano: With a total of 18 goals last season, he was the best goal scorer among defensemen in the SHL.
