Ex-HCL coach Greg Ireland takes over new duties in the EBEL

Ireland and his former Finnish assistant Jussi Silander were let go as coaching duo by HC Lugano's leadership at the end of last season after the team was eliminated from the playoff quarterfinal in just four games by EV Zug.

Under Ireland, the Bianconeri made it to the finals in 2018, eventually losing out on the title in Game 7 against the ZSC Lions. They also made the semifinals in 2016-17, his first season with them, when he came in to replace Doug Shedden at the beginning of said year.