Bolzano earned a point in Graz. © Graz 99ers

Bolzano in Graz: A bittersweet moment.

HCB Südtirol Alperia were on the ropes for much of Friday's game against the Graz 99ers. As the game progressed, the Foxes managed to pull themselves out of their predicament and could have easily taken three points back from Styria. However, a lack of composure and insufficient discipline ultimately led to an overtime defeat.

09 January 2026

The 99ers and Bolzano, two teams with serious title aspirations this season, faced off on Friday. The game was accordingly hard-fought, high-class, and emotionally charged, and won not necessarily by the better team, but by the clever one – the 99ers, who prevailed 3-2 in overtime.

What distinguished HCB again this evening was their defensive solidity. Doug Shedden's influence is unmistakable – as is the immense determination of every single Bolzano player. Although Graz completely dominated the game, especially in the first period, the seemingly tired Foxes countered with effort and great selflessness. A shot count of 18-4 in favor of the Styrians spoke volumes. Nevertheless, the score was only 0-1 after 20 minutes because goaltender Christopher Gibson, in only his second game for HCB, once again delivered an outstanding performance.

Tension until the end

Only after conceding the second goal, 63 seconds into the restart, did the Bolzano team find its footing. Suddenly, they were winning back possession in the forecheck, launching swift counterattacks, and scoring goals. While Dustin Gazley scored to make it 1-2, Dylan Di Perna and Shane Gersich played a crucial role, executing a textbook, lightning-fast counterattack. Gersich, however, received some assistance for the equalizer, making it 2-2. What followed was an exciting and entertaining game in which Graz had more shots on goal, but Bolzano had the clearer scoring opportunities.

Despite two Graz power plays in the final stages of the game, the visitors managed to force overtime, which ultimately ended without a goal. Josh Currie's individual effort sealed the Foxes' defeat, but they can still take many positives from the evening. The Foxes' next game is on Sunday when the struggling Villacher SV visits the Eiswelle (16 p.m.).

Graz 99ers – HC Bozen 3:2 aet

G99: Lagace (Wieser); Kotkansalo-Holzer, Brunner-Bailen, Stapelfeldt-Reiner; Roy-Vela-Currie, Huber-Haudum-Harnisch, Ganahl-Schiechl-Collins, Kainz-Moosbrugger-Feldner, Lippitsch.
coach: The cross

HSBC: Gibson (Harvey); Gildon-Seed, Samuelsson-Valentine, Miglioranzi-DiPerna, Cairns; DiGiacinto-Bradly-McClure, Pollock-Gersich-Gazley, Frigo-Mantenuto-Brunner, Frank-Misley-Marchetti.
coach: Shedden

Gates: 1:0 Bailen (16.34), 2:0 Collins (21.13), 2:1 Gazley (31.03), 2:2 Gersich (34.29), 3:2 Currie (61.50)

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