For Simon Kostner & Co., the AlpsHL semifinals ended. © Max Pattis

From hunted to hunter: Ritten replans

The Rittner Buam were eliminated in the semifinals of this season's Alps Hockey League, dethroning the champions. Together with sports director Alexander Eisath, we take a look back at this eventful winter and discuss the league's hottest personnel issue.

15 April 2025

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In the 2023/24 season, the Rittner Buam played a near-perfect championship, winning both the Alps Hockey League title (their second after 2016/17) and the Serie A title. In both cases, they defeated Cortina in the final.

Simon Kostner and his team were once again among the best the cross-border league has to offer this season. The team from Klobenstein comfortably qualified for the Master Round after finishing second in the preliminary round. The South Tyroleans also delivered a solid performance in the winners' group, finishing the second phase of the championship behind the super team from Zell am See, also in second place.

In the playoffs, the Austrians settled on a South Tyrolean duel against HC Meran. Although everything initially went according to plan, with the Buam already leading 2-0 in the series, it was a close call at the end. The Eagles pushed the (still) reigning champions toward their summer vacation. It wasn't until the final third of the decisive seventh game that the Buam showed their true talent and secured their place in the round of the last four. This was the fourth consecutive semifinal appearance for Jamie Russell's team.

Ethan Szypula received the league's Most Valuable Player award. © Max Pattis

There, the team from Klobenstein faced a very difficult opponent in Jesenice. After the Slovenians suffered defeat in the Master Round, the 2023 champions found their best form again just in time for the playoffs. In a hard-fought series, with all four games decided by a single goal and three of the four matches going into overtime, the Rittner Buam ultimately suffered a 0-4 defeat.

“I don’t think we’ll have Ethan Szypula in our ranks for another year.” Alexander Eisath

"It was clear from the beginning that it would be very difficult to repeat the performance of the previous season. We are nevertheless satisfied with the past championship, even if the Serie A final defeat against Cortina hurts a bit," said Alexander Eisath when asked by SportNews, "In the semi-final of the Alps we lacked the coolness in front of goal, because we were certainly equal in terms of playing skills."

Szypula before departure

Ritten's elimination keeps an uncanny streak alive. Since the Alps Hockey League's inception in 2016, no team has ever managed to defend its title. Ritten will certainly do everything in its power next season to ensure this streak continues beyond April 2026. The current roster includes only three players older than 30: Colin Furlong, Marco Insam, and captain Simon Kostner.

A big question mark hangs over Ethan Szypula. The 28-year-old star striker from Canada has scored over 100 points, attracting interest from other clubs. "I don't think we'll have Ethan Szypula in our ranks for another year. However, if there isn't a suitable offer for him, we would be happy if he stayed in Klobenstein next year," Eisath summarized.

Alexander Eisath is forging the new squad. © Rittner Buam

Should the management succeed in largely confirming the squad and compensating for potential departures, the Rittner Buam will be among the absolute champions in the 2025/26 season. Given their championship streak, the Buam should be better suited to the role of the chaser anyway.