Coach Juhani Matikainen was dismissed by the Cavaliers.

Unterland Cavaliers respond to the crisis

The Alps Hockey League season is two months in, but the Unterland Cavaliers have only seven points. Now, action has been taken to address the crisis.

19 November 2025

From: dl

Since joining the AlpsHL, the Unterland Cavaliers have consistently thrilled fans with their fast-paced hockey in recent years. However, this season, the league's second-youngest team has yet to find its footing: After 15 games, the Cavaliers sit at the bottom of the standings with a mere seven points. On Wednesday, Unterland took action and parted ways with coach Juhani Matikainen.

The 35-year-old Finn only joined Neumarkt this summer, having previously worked for Füssen in the third German league. Until further notice, former assistant coach Tuomo Harjula will take over the position on an interim basis and lead the team through the coming weeks. Dietmar Werner will serve as his assistant coach.

Now two home games

Following the coaching change, Unterland faces a home double-header: On Thursday, the Cavs host HC Gröden, before the Eagles from Kitzbühel visit the Würth Arena two days later. The bottom-ranked team aims to close the gap with the rest of the league. The South Tyrolean derby against Gröden pits two struggling clubs against each other: Unterland has suffered five defeats recently, while Gröden has lost four. However, Gröden – unlike the Cavaliers – has already shown glimpses of its quality this season.

AlpsHL: This week's program

Thursday:
Jesenice – Wipptal Broncos (19 p.m.)
Zeller Eisbären – Rittner Buam (7:30 PM)
Unterland Cavaliers – HC Gröden (20.00)
Cortina Hafro – HC Asiago (20.30)
HC Meran – Red Bull Juniors

Saturday:
Rittner Buam – Cortina Hafro (18.00)
HC Gröden – Wipptal Broncos (18.30)
Unterland Cavaliers – Adler Kitzbühel (19.00)
EC Bregenzerwald – Sisak (19.30)
Zell am See Polar Bears – Red Bull Juniors
HC Asiago – Jesenice (20.00 p.m.)

Sunday:
EC Bregenzerwald – KHL Sisak (17.30)
HC Meran – HC Asiago (18.00 p.m.)

IHL: This week's program

Thursday:
Brixen Falcons – Fassa Falcons (20.00 p.m.)
HC Aosta – Hockey Pergine
Hockey Varese – HC Valpellice (20.30)
Alleghe Hockey – Valdifiemme HC
HC Feltre – SV Kaltern
HC Eppan – HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites

Saturday:
Brixen Falcons – Alleghe Hockey (18.00 p.m.)
Fassa Falcons – HC Valpellice (18.30 p.m.)
Hockey Pergine – HC Eppan (18.45)
SV Kaltern – HC Aosta (19.30)
HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites – HC Feltre
Valdifimme HC – Hockey Varese (20.30)