Graffiti and slashed tires: This is how the HCB cracks found their bus.

Attack on team bus: HC Bozen in shock

The playoff dispute between HC Bozen and Villacher SV is escalating! On Friday night, unknown perpetrators vandalized and damaged the Foxes' team bus in Villach. Now, action is being taken.

March 14, 2025

The players, coaches, and officials of HC Bozen couldn't quite believe their eyes on Friday morning: The Foxes' team bus was completely covered in graffiti, damaged, and rendered unusable. The ice hockey stars were just about to leave for pre-game training at the Villach ice rink.

The attack on the bus took place last night in the immediate vicinity of the team hotel. Unknown assailants punctured a tire and smeared all sides of the Latemar coach. In addition to vulgar insults, the slogans "Only the HCP!" and "Pu Pu Pustertal" were written in large letters, in reference to Bolzano's archrival, HC Pustertal.

It's unclear who is behind the act of vandalism. The writing is more likely a provocation by Villach residents than an attack by Bruneck ice hockey fans. The two fan groups have had a loose friendship for some time. Just last Sunday, HCP fans displayed a banner reading "In Carinthia only the VSV" during their playoff game against Klagenfurt.

The investigation is ongoing

HC Bozen has filed a complaint against an unknown person, and the police have begun an investigation. One thing is certain: This is a new escalation in the heated quarterfinal clash between Bozen and Villach, although things have been rather turbulent off the ice recently. According to reports from the Carinthian Kleine Zeitung were given to the HCB dirty games off the ice This created further tension. The accusations were not confirmed by the Villach side and now denied by the Foxes.

Both clubs are now working with security forces to calm the situation ahead of the sixth meeting between the two teams this Friday evening (19.15:XNUMX p.m.). Bolzano and Villach plan to issue a joint statement later today.