Adam Capannelli was defeated by the Rittner Buam. © Max Pattis

Test matches concluded: Mixed feelings for South Tyrolean AlpsHL trio

Three local teams from the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) played their last friendly match on Friday before the season starts next Saturday.

September 11, 2026

From: leo

The Unterland Cavaliers concluded their preseason with an away game against SC Riessersee. The team from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which plays in the German Oberliga, prevailed 3-1. It was their third consecutive loss, after the Cavs had won their first three exhibition games.

In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the home team led 2-0 after 13 minutes thanks to goals from Robin Soudek and Robin Johansson. Midway through the game, Manuel Bampi replaced his goalie colleague Mike Reinalter, but shortly afterward conceded a third goal – Nico Geidl scored before the second intermission. Two minutes after the restart, Lauri Heino scored a consolation goal, but that was all the Cavaliers could muster.

Ritten loses again against Bad Tölz

In Klobenstein, the Ritten/Renon Buam were aiming for revenge against EC Bad Tölz. The first leg had ended 8-2 in favor of the Bavarians. However, Stefan Spinell and his teammates failed to capitalize on this plan – Bad Tölz won again, this time 4-2. In a game that started low-scoring, the Germans led 2-0 with ten minutes remaining. Miro Markkula's goal in the 52nd minute then sparked a turbulent final phase: Toms Prokopovics quickly restored the two-goal lead before Manuel Öhler equalized once more. Florian Krumpe sealed the victory with 76 seconds left on the clock.

Brayden Sherbinin and the Eagles won by a narrow margin. © BK Photo / Kevin Baumgartner

In Eppan, the Pirates faced off against AlpsHL runners-up Meran, who secured a narrow 2-0 victory. Newcomer Nathan Garau scored the game-winning goal in the 26th minute. The match was marred by numerous penalties against the home team: Thomas Galimberti, who had already received two penalties, was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct in the final period. Mike Levin sealed the win with a minute and a half remaining.

Test matches:

SC Riessersee – Unterland Cavaliers 3:1
Goals: 1:0 Soudek (8.28), 2:0 Johansson (12.55), 3:0 Geidl (38.26), 3:1 Heino (41.56)

Rittner Buam – EC Bad Tölz 2:4
Goals: 0-1 Daxlberger (25:00), 0-2 Schönberger (50:08), 1-2 Markkula (51:41), 1-3 Prokopovics (54:40), 2-3 Manuel Öhler (56:02), 2-4 Krumpe (58:44)

HC Eppan – HC Meran 0:2
Goals: 0:1 Garau (25.24), 0:2 Levin (58.36)