Thomas Galimberti in conversation with SportNews. © Social Media

Broncos talent Galimberti: Back to his old strength

He was once considered the greatest talent in Austrian ice hockey and participated in the top division's World Championship at just 17 years old. However, injuries halted the rise and development of Thomas Galimberti, now 21. The Eppan native returned to South Tyrol in the summer and has since demonstrated his skills in the Wipptal Broncos jersey.

March 29, 2025

The 2020/21 season was a special one for Galimberti: He initially blasted everyone into the ground in the U19s, then, as a 17-year-old, collected more than a point per game in the Italian Hockey League (IHL), and was unexpectedly selected for the top division's World Championship in Riga, where he also played four games. He then moved to Finland, where he played for two seasons in the Lahti Pelicans' youth system. In 2023, he moved to Kokkolan Hermes in the Finnish second division. However, severe injury problems meant that he only played eleven games in the entire season.

“I was injured practically the whole of last season,” the striker said in an interview with SportNews"When you hardly play, it's obviously difficult to get opportunities with clubs." And so, in the summer, he decided to end his adventure abroad and return to South Tyrol. "I just wanted to find myself again, get back in shape, and regain my level of play," Galimberti said. He signed a two-way contract with HC Pustertal, but this season he played exclusively for the Wipptal Broncos.

What else can you do against Zell am See?

And he did so with great success: Galimberti remained injury-free, collecting a whopping 50 points (34 goals) in 14 games so far, making him the Broncos' top-scoring player. It was a rocky start, though. "The start of the season wasn't easy for me personally or for the team. However, as I gained more match practice, I gradually got into the swing of things and gradually felt more comfortable. It took time, but now I'm in top shape," says Galimberti, who says it was never a question of self-confidence.

Thomas Galimberti at the A-WM in Riga. © AFP / GINTS IVUSKANS

With Galimberti's rise, the Broncos also gained momentum week after week. From last place in the standings, the Wild Horses worked their way through the qualifying round and the pre-playoffs to the quarterfinals, where they beat EC Kitzbühel 4-0. Now the White and Blues and Galimberti are aiming for their first-ever appearance in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) final. However, after two games, they lost 7-0 in the best-of-2 series against EK Zell am See.

"They were two close games," the center summarized. "We have to be more ruthless in the future, avoid stupid penalties – like reaction fouls – and just keep believing. Because despite being 0-2 down in the series, anything is still possible. We know what we're capable of and have to work hard for 60 minutes. Then we have a good chance of winning the games," Galimberti said confidently. The third game of the series begins on Saturday in Zell am See at 19.30:18 p.m. Before that, the Rittner Buam will be fighting for their first win at home against Jesenice (XNUMX p.m.).

Alps Hockey League, semifinal

Saturday March 29rd:
Rittner Buam – HDD Jesenice (18 p.m.)
Score in the series: 0:2

EK Zell am See – Wipptal Broncos (19.30 p.m.)
Score in the series: 2:0