HC Gröden depends on the support of its fans more than ever. © Matthäus Kostner

HC Gröden sounds the alarm: "We need all the help we can get."

Hockey Club Gherdëina is one of the oldest and most successful ice hockey clubs in Italy. Their latest highlight: the sensational championship title in the Alps Hockey League on April 18th of this year. But this very success is now proving costly for the Furies.

August 05, 2026

Fueled by sheer euphoria, HC Gherdëina swept up to win the title in the spring, and immediately afterwards began planning for the upcoming season. "Our roster is already set," says club president Walter Ploner. So everything's fine? Not at all!

The traditional Val Gardena club, founded in 1927, is burdened with a mountain of debt. For years, the club has been carrying around smaller liabilities – and these have increased significantly during the championship season. "We had costs of around one million euros, but only took in around 900.000 euros. Anyone can do the math to see how big the hole is," reveals Ploner.

The championship title in the AlpsHL was celebrated extensively, but it also left a hole in the finances.

But how can this be, in such a successful season? Simpel explains: The long playoffs resulted in higher travel costs, the team's success necessitated high player bonuses, and then, during the season, they also replaced the coach and a foreign player. The financial situation is weighing on the club president, who, at the end of his term next spring, would actually be willing to step down after eight years. "But I cannot and will not hand over the club in this condition."

“We appeal to the entire valley: Join the HCG family!” President Walter Ploner

So what now? Ploner and his colleagues aren't wallowing in despair; on the contrary, the focus is now on working together to broaden the club's base. "We're appealing to the entire valley: Join the HCG family – whether as a sponsor, patron, volunteer, season ticket holder, or simply by buying a fan shirt!" The primary goal will be to reduce unnecessary costs, significantly cut player bonuses, and save money on peripheral expenses.

With a new logo and new jerseys: Captain Simon Pitschieler (center) and his teammates start their pre-season training.

Ploner calculates with a twinkle in his eye: "We had around 2400 spectators in the arena for the final series against Merano; if each of these people contributed 100 euros to the club, we would be financially sound." What he means is: A small contribution from all those who are interested in Val Gardena ice hockey would be of great value.

Youth ice hockey is booming

And one thing is clear: right now, a great many people in Val Gardena are interested in their HCG. Over the past few months, the club has gained countless fans and many helping hands. "And what I'm particularly pleased about," says Ploner, "is the realization that this summer, more children than in a long time are coming to us to start playing ice hockey."

HCG therefore has no need to fear for its future. However, the necessary financial framework must now be established to put the club on a sound footing. After all, HC Gherdëina will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary. And especially in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena, tradition carries more responsibility than almost anywhere else.