Michael Purdeller dreams of winning the title with HCP Junior. © Iwan Foppa

Final ahoy: Pustertal's little brother is also celebrating!

While HC Pustertal is on its way to a sensation in the ICE Hockey League, its little brother is in the final of the IHL 1st Division.

March 15, 2026

From: det

The whole valley is gripped by ice hockey fever! HC Pustertal is putting on a great show in the ICE Hockey League and leads 3-0 in the quarter-final series against champions Red Bull Salzburg. The Wolves are just one win away from a sensational semi-final berth. Their younger sibling, HC Pustertal Junior, is also causing a stir. On Saturday evening, the Wolves reached the final in the IHL 1st Division.

Coach Max Oberrauch's team prevailed 3-0 against Vinschgau Eisfix in the decisive third semifinal on Saturday. In front of nearly 400 fans at the Intercable Arena, Elias Hell scored twice to become the match-winner. David Laner also got on the scoresheet.

Will there be a rematch?

Now, the final will see them face HC Chiavenna, who themselves prevailed against Hockey Como. HCP Junior and Chiavenna already met in last season's final series, with the team from Lombardy emerging victorious. Can the Puster Valley side get their revenge this year? The champion will be decided in a best-of-five series, with HCP starting with home-ice advantage.

IHL 1st Division – Semi-final – Game 3

HCP Junior – Vinschgau Eisfix 3:0
Goals: 1-0 Hell (4.11), 2-0 Laner (41.02), 3-0 Hell (49.06)
Audience: 389
Final score in the series: 2:1

HC Chiavenna – Hockey Como 4:1
Goals: 1:0 Gherardi (15.06), 2:0 Mann (18.41), 3:0 Sibilevych (46.52), 4:0 Finessi (56.05)
Audience: 450
Final score in the series: 2:1