“Zell am See is still the favorite”

What seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago could become reality on Tuesday evening: HC Gherdëina reaching the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) finals. However, sporting director Joel Brugnoli isn't thinking about this dream scenario yet, as he is well aware of the quality of the reigning champions, Zell am See.

April 06, 2026

From: sn

By reaching the playoffs, HC Gherdëina had achieved its stated season goal. However, the Ladin team, coached by Marcel Skokan, wasn't content with that and sent the regular season champions, Salzburg, packing in the quarterfinals. Many thought their run would end in the semifinals against top favorites Zell am See. But Simon Pitschieler and his teammates embraced the underdog role and now, quite surprisingly, lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.

The reason for this was a jubilant 4-3 overtime victory on Saturday. The Ladins will have their first match point on Tuesday when the sixth game of the series is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at their home arena, Pranives. It will be the Fury's 15th game (!) in 33 days. "Both teams are struggling with dwindling energy reserves – perhaps us a little more so," emphasizes Joel Brugnoli, who has been managing the sporting affairs at HCG for two years. "But because our team is in a flow, this fatigue is less noticeable." All the greater, then, are the Fury's mental fortitude, who finished the regular season in only eleventh place.

One question mark remains.

Despite the favorable starting position, Brugnoli still sees the professional team from Salzburg as the favorites. "Yes, we've won two games in a row now, but as everyone knows, the last game is always the hardest. For us, it's about sticking to the game plan: be patient, be solid defensively, take advantage of our chances, and play with discipline," explains Brugnoli. A look at the statistics should certainly give Simon Pitschieler & Co. a boost. This season, HCG has won all four home games against the Eisbären – with a goal difference of 13:2.

Davide Schiavone & Co. want to make the surprise perfect. © Matthäus Kostner

Ahead of this crucial game, there's a question mark hanging over the HCG camp. Carmine Buono's participation is uncertain. The Italian-Canadian defenseman was injured on Saturday by a nasty check from behind by Leon Widhalm, who received a two-game suspension for the foul. "We'll decide on his availability shortly before the game," Brugnoli explained.

Merano with its back to the wall

HC Meran, however, finds itself in a different situation in its semifinal against KHL Sisak. After the painful 3-4 overtime defeat 72 hours ago, the Eagles are desperate for a win in front of their home fans to keep their finals dreams alive. Coach Christian Borgatello is hoping to have top scorer Reid Stefanson back in the lineup after his recent injury.

Michael Sölva & Co. aim to put the team ahead again against Aosta. © Manfred Sinn

Excitement is also guaranteed in the Italian Hockey League (IHL): SV Kaltern will also play their fifth final game against HC Aosta at home on Tuesday. So far, the home team has prevailed in the best-of-seven series. Hechte hopes to keep it that way.

Alps Hockey League, semi-finals:

Tuesday, April 7th:
HC Gherdëina – EK Zell am See (19.30 p.m.)
Score in the series: 3:2

HC Meran – KHL Sisak (20 p.m.)
Score in the series: 2:3