HERSHEY, PA — Mike Sgarbossa’s run with the Hershey Bears is officially over.
Friday, HC Lugano of the Swiss National League announced they signed Sgarbossa to a two-year contract. Sgarbossa is the North American hockey player to sign with HC Lugano this month, joining former Capitals defenseman Connor Carrick.
“Mike Sgarbossa is a playmaking center with great experience,” HC Lugano general manager Janick Steinmann said in a press release. “He’s a skilled and charismatic player who fits perfectly into our team and the National League. I look forward to welcoming him to Lugano.”
Reporting of Sgarbossa’s move overseas was first reported by Swiss sports site La Gazzetta del Ticino on May 8 during the Bears’ opening round playoff series against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Sgarbossa confirmed the news Thursday at Giant Center during Breakdown Day, revealing that he “wasn’t too happy” that word got out early.
“I was just thinking about playing, and then when that rumor came out, I was disappointed,” Sgarbossa said. “But I tried not to let it affect the team or my game… We wanted to announce it once [the Hershey Bears] were done here.”
Sgarbossa initially signed with the Washington Capitals during the 2018-19 season, making appearances with the NHL team in five of seven seasons. He posted 15 points (7g, 8a) in 45 games with the Capitals, adding two points (1g, 1a) in three postseason appearances. In 2024-25, he played just three games with Washington and scored two points (1g, 1a).
Sgarbossa had most of his success as a member of the Hershey Bears, where he was primarily utilized as a first-line center. His first season with the Bears, Sgarbossa posted career highs in goals (30) and points (65). Overall, he registered 40 or more points in four of his seven seasons in Hershey, and was a member of the Bears’ 2023 Calder Cup championship team.
“It was a difficult [decision],” Sgarbossa said. “I mean, I’ve been here for seven years. My family, my kids were born here. We’ve been comfortable here, everyone’s been great. We don’t have a bad thing to say about Hershey or Washington’s organization. Everyone’s treated us awesome.
“It’s been a huge honor for me (to play in the Capitals organization). Typically, you don’t get seven years with a two-way player like I’ve been. Someone who’s been up and down. You might get two or three years, and then you move on, or the team will move on from the player. So, for me personally, it’s just been a huge honor. Hershey’s such a historic franchise. The people that have played here, the coaches that have coached here, management that’s managed here, it’s a huge list. To be part of that, and to say that I did something positive to an organization that had so many positive things already is something that I’m proud of… My wife has become really accustomed to the lifestyle in the area. I think there’s a good reason why a lot of people end up staying when they’re done. It’s just a beautiful town. It’s really — all the teams that I’ve played on, there’s not really a city or place like it. It’s really hard to explain that. But it’s going to hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life.”
HC Lugano, too, has seen plenty of success in recent years. The team has won seven Swiss championships and saw former NHL players Daniel Carr, David Aebischer, and Jiří Sekáč suit up for the team last season.
“Just personally, I think for our family, (it) gives a little bit more stability,” Sgarbossa said of his decision to move. “I’ve been going up and down quite a bit, so you tend to miss a lot of things when it comes to the kids. You know, my kids are getting a little bit older, so they’re starting to realize what’s happening, what I’m missing. So that played a part in the decision. And then, you know, going over there, I just think it’s a good opportunity personally for me. I think the team that I’m going to is kind of having a fresh start and a chance to probably extend my career a little bit more.”
During 13 seasons in the AHL, Sgarbossa had 467 points in 609 games as a member of the Bears, Manitoba Moose, Springfield Thunderbirds, San Diego Gulls, Norfolk Admirals, and Lake Erie Monsters.
“I’ve been here… a long time,” Sgarbossa said. “A lot of memories that I haven’t processed yet. There’s no way to do that overnight. And that’s going to take a bit of time. The emotion hasn’t hit. I’m sure it will at some point.”
