Simon Pitschieler got on the scoresheet. © Giacomo Rossi

Penalty shootout: Gröden wins their second test match

HC Gherdëina lived up to expectations and won their second preseason game. However, the match against the Fassa Falcons was closer than anticipated.

August 14, 2026

From: sn

The reigning champions of the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) once again faced their farm team without any foreign players. The game was particularly interesting because five players from Fassa are under contract with the Furie, while four players from Val Gardena play for Fassa – including goaltender Paul Hofer. The long-time HCG goalie and his teammates were only defeated 3-4 in a penalty shootout.

After Leo Messner, a player from Val Gardena, opened the scoring, Hannes Kasslatter equalized before the end of the first period. Captain Simon Pitschieler responded to Alfeo Deluca's goal to make it 2-1, before defenseman Julian Senoner put the favorites ahead for the first time.

Tobias Moroder at the face-off. © Giacomo Rossi

However, Ukrainian David Sibilevych forced a penalty shootout, in which Pitschieler and Luca Biondi scored for the visitors. None of the Falcons, however, managed to beat Gröden's goalkeeper Arik Plancker.

HCG won their first game on Tuesday against Fassa 6-1. Marcel Skokan's team, who were replaced in Canazei by his assistant Ondrej Kratky, will continue their preparations on August 20th against the Unterland Cavaliers in Pranives.

Test match:

Fassa Falcons – HC Gherdëina 3:4 nP
1-0 Messner, 1-1 Kasslatter, 2-1 Alfeo Deluca, 2-2 Pitschieler, 2-3 Senoner, 3-3 Sibilevych; decisive penalty: Pitschieler