Milano have won five games in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 win2day ICE Hockey League season and now prepare to host HC TIWAG Innsbruck – Die Haie in their first home game. Goaltender Jake Smith called the occasion a “circle closing”, as Innsbruck was also connected to the team’s first training sessions and league game. He said he was especially eager to hear Milano’s fans for the first time.
Smith said the team built its identity while spending long periods travelling and away from family, its new home and the city it represents. “We had to rely on each other to find solutions together,” he said, adding that the experience had helped the players develop trust. He also described the games so far as team efforts.
The first home weekend also includes a derby against HCB Südtirol Alperia. Smith began his professional career with the club and won a championship there, but said he would prepare for the game as he would for any other, despite the extra motivation of facing familiar faces.