HC Pustertal is completing part of its preseason training in Latsch. © I. Foppa / HC Pustertal

HC Pustertal is testing itself at the Vinschgau Cup

The third participant in this year's Vinschgau Cup powered by Audi in Latsch has been confirmed. HC Falkensteiner Pustertal, the current runner-up of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL), will take part in the anniversary edition of the tournament.

05 May 2026

From: pm

ERC Ingolstadt will play the opening game against HCP at the IceForum Latsch on Friday, August 21st, at 20 pm. The team from Bruneck is now a regular in the Vinschgau region, as the Wolves are participating in the Vinschgau Cup for the fourth time.

Pustertal has competed in the ICEHL since 2021 and had its best season to date last year. Raphael Andergassen and his teammates finished the regular season in fifth place before taking off in the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, they easily defeated the reigning champions, Red Bull Salzburg, 4-0. The Pustertal team also dominated their semifinal game against Olimpija Ljubljana (4-1). Their title hopes were finally dashed in the finals against the Graz 99ers, who had marched undefeated through the playoffs.

One team is still missing

Half a dozen professionals from Bruneck were on Italy's Olympic roster. The team is frequently supplemented with experienced international professionals who possess extensive DEL experience. Last season, these included Markus Lauridsen, Adam Almquist, Jon Blum, Rok Ticar, and JC Lipon. Coach Jason Jaspers, who has been head coach since 2024 and has played nearly 700 DEL games in 13 years, will also coach HCP in the 2026/27 season.

Ticket sales for the Vinschgau Cup 2026 start on Wednesday, May 20th. All information regarding the schedule and ticket sales details will be announced as soon as the list of participants is complete.