Andy Bernard, goalkeeper for HC Meran. © BK Photo

HC Meran in crisis: What now, Andy Bernard?

Last season they were on a roll, now they're in a slump: HC Meran is stuck in a difficult situation. We asked goalie Andy Bernard about the reasons.

04 December 2025

From: det

Last season, HC Meran thrilled fans in the Alps Hockey League and narrowly missed out on the semifinals. This year, the team from Merano hoped to continue that success, but so far things have gone far from according to plan. After 19 games, coach Christian Borgatello's team sits second-to-last with just 19 points. Meran has recently suffered six consecutive defeats.

“Of course, we are far from satisfied,” says goalkeeper Andy Bernard. The Kaltern-born netminder moved to the spa town from HC Pustertal in the summer. Even though the experienced 35-year-old consistently delivers strong performances and boasts a save percentage of just over 90 percent, Bernard alone can't work miracles.

HC Meran wants to get back on its feet. © BK Photo

“We’re not far from turning things around. We mainly need to improve the little things, meaning blocking shots, clearing up in front of the goal, and obstructing the opposing goalkeeper’s view in attack,” says Bernard. He also emphasizes: “We have to be aware that every single player – regardless of age – has to take responsibility.”

"December is an extremely important month." Andy Bernard

Bernard himself has experienced similar situations many times in his long career and knows how to handle them. "I try to provide input every day and in every game, based on what I see from the back of the net," the goalie said. He also made it clear that nothing is lost yet. "We now have December ahead of us, which is an incredibly important month in ice hockey with many games. If we pull ourselves together and get back on track, we can climb back up the ranks. Everything is still possible."

The new hope

Merano is also encouraged by the arrival of Reid Stefanson, who was presented as a new signing in mid-November, although he was only able to train in the city on Tuesday. The forward, who won a championship in Great Britain last season and has already played for Vienna in the ICE Hockey League, is expected to contribute many points – especially since Merano's import players have been underwhelming so far. On Thursday, HCM will host Kitzbühel at 8:30 p.m., and on Saturday they face the Unterland Cavaliers in a relegation battle in Neumarkt.

Alps Hockey League, the South Tyrolean games this week

Thursday, 20.30 p.m.
HC Gherdeina – Rittner Buam
HC Meran – Adler Kitzbühel

Saturday
Wipptal Broncos – HC Asiago (18 p.m.)
Rittner Buam – Zeller Eisbären
Unterland Cavaliers – HC Meran (19 p.m.)
HC Gherdeina – Bregenzerwald (8:30 pm)

Sunday, 17.30 a.m
SG Cortina – HC Gherdeina

IHL, South Tyrolean Games of the Week

Thursday, 20.30 p.m.
HC Valpellice – SV Kaltern

Saturday
Hockey Pergine – SV Kaltern (6:45 pm)
HC Eppan – Feltre (19.30 p.m.)
Brixen Falcons – HC Varese (20 p.m.)
Aosta – HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites