Matteo Vanetta (born August 15, 1976) is an Italian former professional ice hockey defenceman and current head coach. Born in Faido, Switzerland, Vanetta spent the majority of his playing and coaching career in the Swiss ice hockey league system, primarily associated with HC Ambrì-Piotta.
Playing Career
Vanetta began his professional ice hockey career with HC Ambrì-Piotta in the 1993–94 season. He quickly established himself as a reliable defenceman and remained with the club for twelve consecutive seasons until 2005. During this extensive period, he became a fan favorite and a foundational player for the team.
After his long tenure with Ambrì-Piotta, Vanetta moved to HC Lugano, where he played for two seasons from 2005 to 2007. He then joined SC Bern for the 2007–08 season. In 2008, he returned to HC Ambrì-Piotta, playing two more seasons before retiring as a player in 2010.
Throughout his playing career, Vanetta was known for his strong defensive skills, leadership, and resilience on the ice. He also represented the Italian national ice hockey team in several international tournaments, including multiple IIHF World Championships.
Coaching Career
Following his retirement as a player, Vanetta transitioned into coaching, focusing on player development and team leadership.
- HC Ambrì-Piotta (Junior and Senior Teams): Vanetta's coaching career began within the HC Ambrì-Piotta organization, initially coaching their junior teams, including the U20 squad. His success at the junior level led to his promotion to assistant coach for the senior National League (NL) team. He served multiple stints as an assistant coach and also took on roles as interim head coach before eventually being appointed as the full-time head coach for the NL squad, guiding the team through various challenges.
- HC Ajoie: After his period with Ambrì-Piotta, Vanetta also coached at HC Ajoie, further expanding his experience in different team environments.
- HC Lugano U20: In more recent years, Vanetta has been involved with the junior development program of HC Lugano, serving as a coach for their U20 team, continuing his dedication to nurturing young hockey talent.
Matteo Vanetta's career, both as a player and a coach, has been marked by a deep commitment to Swiss and Italian ice hockey, particularly through his long association with HC Ambrì-Piotta and his continued efforts in developing future generations of hockey players.