Blatter had suffered from recurring hip problems and thus decided to step back from professional hockey after 14 seasons. The 31-year-old defenseman has played in almost 700 National League games for HC Davos, Hockey Thurgau, EHC Chur, the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, HC Lugano and HC La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Neiniger, for his part, does not yet wish to comment on his future, but as the newspaper speculates, there might be a possibility that he will coach in St. Imier alongside his father Tony. The 38-year-old forward is in his 14th season with HCC and has played 20 seasons of professional hockey (over 1000 games).
In other news, Dominic Forget and HCC's management are still in contract negotiations. He has received an offer for an one-year deal with option. However, the forward, who has also received a substantial offer from HC Red Ice, has not yet made his decision. As for Samuel Grezet, the discussions are going well and his extension should be announced soon. The future of Lionel Girardin, Kevin Bozon, Loïk Poudrier, Sven Witschi, Thomas Hofmann and Robin Vuilleumier is not yet clear. (mso)
