Adam Helewka and HC Bozen are facing tough weeks. © Niccolo' Dametto

Christmas stress of a different kind: Bozen starts marathon

The international break has been put aside, and now the Christmas stress begins for HC Bozen. It all starts on Wednesday with the away game in Vorarlberg.

17 December 2024

From: pm/sn

These days, quite a few people are stressed out about Christmas, which means getting the last presents, wrapping the last parcel, cooking the last culinary delight. For HC Bozen, the Christmas stress is different: from now until January 5th, no fewer than nine games are scheduled. It all starts on Wednesday, December 18th, at 19.30:XNUMX p.m. in the Pioneers Vorarlberg hall.

The aim of the White-Reds is to build on the strong first half of the season. The HCB is fighting for the top spot in the table, while the hosts, currently bottom of the league, are looking to improve their performance. But the ice at the Vorarlberghalle has often been treacherous in the past, especially for Bozen, which has only won once in Feldkirch in the last two years - on October 27th with a 4:2 victory.

Strong Bozen statistics

Bozen can still count on a number of key players. Seven players have already scored more than 15 points, led by Adam Helewka with 9 goals and 13 assists. The most accurate shooter is Anthony Salinitri with 12 goals. The goalkeepers are also impressive: Sam Harvey has a save percentage of 92,8% (4 shutouts), Gianluca Vallini is at 91% (1 shutout). Coach Glen Hanlon has the entire squad at his disposal. The final lineup, as well as the starting goalkeeper, will be announced on Wednesday morning before departure for Feldkirch.

Bolzano coach Glen Hanlon. © Niccolo' Dametto

Despite having the weakest offense and the third most vulnerable defense in the league, the Pioneers stand out in Josh Passolt, who has collected 20 points (11 goals, 9 assists) so far. Goalkeepers David Madlener (88,8%) and Alex Caffi (89,5%), on the other hand, have weaker statistics. The latter, however, often puts in strong performances against the Foxes.

The top game against the Black Wings on Friday

The Foxes will be playing their top match against the Steinbach Black Wings Linz in the Sparkasse Arena on Friday, December 20th at 19.45:14 p.m. The Austrians are in exceptional form and have only lost one of their last 6 games. On December 5th, Linz beat Bozen 2:0, taking revenge for the 5:19.15 defeat on the first match day. HC Pustertal will also return to the ring on Friday: The Wolves will then face Fehervar from XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.

ICE, the games on Wednesday

19.15 pm
Klagenfurt – Olimpija Ljubljana
Fehervar AV19 – Villacher SV
Innsbruck – Graz

19.30 pm
Vorarlberg – Bolzano