Ex-Kraken Center Joins Swiss Team

Austin Czarnik, a former center for the Seattle Kraken, has signed a contract with SC Bern in Switzerland's top league, the National League A (NLA).

The 31-year-old played a brief stint with the Kraken during the 2021-22 season, recording two assists in six games after being claimed off waivers from the New York Islanders.

Czarnik's NHL career saw him move between several teams, including the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Islanders, Kraken, and Detroit Red Wings. In the 2023-24 season, he split his time between the Red Wings and their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, recording one assist in 34 NHL games.

Joining SC Bern, which finished eighth in the NLA and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Czarnik will be alongside former NHL players like Dominik Kahun. Despite standing at 5'9", Czarnik's impressive career includes a U-18 Gold medal with Team USA, participation in the World Juniors, a captaincy at Miami University (Ohio), and an AHL All-Rookie Team selection. His tenacity and work ethic have marked his career, even if NHL success remained elusive.