Draft, Langnau, and Coming Home: Brian Zanetti Chooses HCL

Following the long-term agreement with forward Dario Simion, Hockey Club Lugano is thrilled to welcome back another homegrown player. Brian Zanetti, a former Lugano youth product, is returning to the club after gaining experience abroad and in the National League (NL) with the Langnau Tigers.

Zanetti, a 190 cm, 87 kg left-handed defenseman, was born in Lugano on March 15, 2003. Having risen through the HCL youth system, he stood out during the 2019/20 season, becoming the highest-scoring defenseman for the U20 Elit team, then coached by Luca Gianinazzi. His performance caught the attention of overseas scouts, and in the 2020 CHL Import Draft, he was selected in the first round by the Peterborough Petes.

Brian was set to join the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, but the COVID pandemic delayed his move by a year. In 2021, Zanetti was drafted in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Flyers and attended their summer camp twice. This achievement made him the third HCL player to be drafted into the NHL, following Raffaele Sannitz (2001) and Elvis Merzlikins (2014).

Between 2021 and 2023, Zanetti played 130 games (46 points) and won a championship with the Peterborough Petes in the OHL. Upon returning to Switzerland, he has since played 48 games in the National League with the Langnau Tigers.

Now, Zanetti has chosen to return to the club where it all began and continue his growth. On the international stage, he has represented Switzerland in both U18 and U20 World Championships.

HCL GM Hnat Domenichelli commented: "We are extremely proud to welcome Brian back to Lugano as he continues his development. He has excellent skating and defensive skills, and he will be a key player for our team's future. We look forward to having him after his successful experiences away from the Cornèr Arena."