James Livingston during a face-off with Davide Schiavone. © Matthäus Kostner

Broncos win the dress rehearsal against Val Gardena

The Wipptal Broncos and HC Gherdëina played their final friendly match before the season starts next Saturday on Tuesday. The favorites prevailed in a respectable game.

September 16, 2025

From: leo

In front of around 500 fans at the Pranives in Selva, the Wild Horses won 4-2. It was their second victory against the Fury in the current preseason. At the end of August, Johan Sjöquist's team had prevailed 7-3 at home.

Franco Sproviero opened the scoring in the 8th minute, taking advantage of too much space in the slot and firing a shot into the top corner. Shortly before the first period break, Dmitri Vozovik scored the deserved equalizer with a stunning solo effort on the power play. Although the HCG pushed for the lead in the second period, the Broncos managed to score. James Livingston lofted the puck under the crossbar from a tight angle, and Connor Sanvido also profited from a botched clearance.

Livingston scores twice

At the start of the final period, the Ladins narrowed the gap through Luca Biondi, who escaped and beat Wipptal goalie Damian Leitner with a shot between the legs. However, the comeback was never achieved. Livingston restored the lead on the power play before Luciano Zandegiacomo sealed the final score with a shot into the empty net, making it 5-2.

Damian Leitner in the Sterzing goal delivered a strong performance. © Matthäus Kostner

Both teams have now completed their preparations. Both Wipptal and Gröden begin the new season with an away game on Saturday. The Broncos will face the Unterland Cavaliers, while HCG will face EC Kitzbühel.

Test match:

HC Gherdëina – Wipptal Broncos 2:5
Goals: 0:1 Sproviero (7.16), 1:1 Vozovik (17.48), 1:2 Livingston (25.04), 1:3 Sanvido (33.03), 2:3 Biondi (42.51), 2:4 Livingston (50.23), 2:5 Zandegiacomo (58.09)