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HC Pustertal (in black and yellow) surprised again against Salzburg. © HCP/Iwan Foppa
Sensational wolves are the terror of Salzburg
After four consecutive defeats, HC Pustertal made a successful comeback in the ICE Hockey League on Sunday evening – and against none other than reigning champions Red Bull Salzburg. The Bulls are gradually becoming the Wolves' favorite opponent.
11 January 2026
From the Intercable Arena
From:
David Lechthaler
What a response from HC Pustertal to their mini-crisis: The black and yellow team deservedly beat Red Bull Salzburg 4-1 in the Intercable Arena, which was sold out for the third time in a row. Salzburg had previously celebrated twelve consecutive victories (!). This means HCP has won all three of their matches against the reigning champions this season, securing all nine points.
HC Pustertal had to make do with only three offensive and defensive lines on Sunday. Adam Almquist, Cole Bardreau, JC Lipon, and Ivan De Luca (who played for the Wipptal Broncos in the Serie A third-place game) were all unavailable. This once again demonstrated that Jason Jaspers' team is finding it noticeably easier to compete against the league's top teams this year.
With this attitude and fighting spirit, anything is possible for the Wolves this year – even though the league seems extremely strong. Currently, Bruneck, sitting in sixth place, is on course for direct qualification for the playoffs. For their opponents, Salzburg, it was their first league defeat since December 5th – over a month. Incredibly, but true: Pustertal has earned points in each of their last six matches against the Mozart city team, spanning two seasons. The head-to-head record stands at 11-8 in favor of Salzburg.
The highlights
| Good start and good end | The Wolves capitalized on their early power play! Saracino gave the home team a 1-0 lead after just 57 seconds. Salzburg's Huber equalized only four minutes later. With just under 25 seconds left in the first period, HCP took the lead again: Di Tomaso coolly finished off a beautiful pass from Saracino. |
| Luck and Pasquale | HCP spent almost the entire second period defending. The Black and Yellows did so brilliantly, however. Pasquale also made several crucial saves for his Wolves. Salzburg's St. Denis had the best chance, breaking away on a breakaway, but his shot was brilliantly saved by the HCP goalie. |
| More efficient HCP | The Wolves defended with great passion in the third period as well – and successfully. Salzburg couldn't find a way through. With four minutes remaining, Di Tomaso's two goals on the power play effectively sealed the victory. Shortly before, Salzburg's Michael Raffl had been sent to the penalty box. In the final minute, Rueschhoff added a fourth goal with an empty-net goal – assisted by the outstanding Di Tomaso – making it 4-1. |
While HCP celebrated a resounding victory, HC Bozen was defeated at home against Villacher SV in overtime. HC Pustertal's schedule continues on Friday and Sunday with a home game double against the Black Wings Linz and Ferencvaros Budapest.
HC Pustertal – Red Bull Salzburg 4:1
HCP: Pasquale (Rabanser); Zanatta-Blum, Lauridsen-Di Tomaso, Glira-Osmanski; Saracino-Andergassen-Bowlby, Ireullo-Frycklund-Lobis, Rueschhoff-Ticar-Purdeller, Mantinger.Coach: Jaspers
RBS: Tolvanen (Kickert); Robertson-Corcoran, Nienhuis-Lewington, Stephens-Hörl, Wimmer-Gesson; Thomas Raffl-Nissner-Thaler, Michael Raffl-St. Denis-Coe, Kraus-Baltram-Huber, Schreier-Auer-Hochkofler.
Coach: Viveiros
Gates: 1:0 Saracino (0.57), 1:1 Huber (04.33), 2:1 Di Tomaso (19.35), 3:1 Di Tomaso (55.45), 4:1 Rueschhoff (55.24)
Viewers: 3.104 (sold out)
The other games from Sunday:
HCB Südtirol Alperia – Villacher SV 4:5 OT0:1 Strong (15.14), 0:2 Hutchison (23.36), 1:2 Cairns (32.43), 2:2 Gildon (36.29), 3:2 Gersich (39.44), 4:2 Gazley (51.11), 4:3 Rebernig (51.38), 4:4 Hutchison (58.43), 4:5 Scherbak (61.42)
Audience: 3.912
Olimpija Ljubljana – Black Wings Linz 4:1
1:0 Mahkovec (09.09), 2:0 Brennan (18.30), 3:0 Meyer (41.05), 4:0 Pance (56.02), 4:1 Pusnik (59.01)
Audience: 2.317
Graz99ers – Vienna Capitals 4:0
1:0 Ganahl (09.38), 2:0 Kainz (33.38), 3:0 Haudum (36.37), 4:0 Bailen (48.44)
Audience: 3.807
The table
| SP | G | U | V | TV | P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. EC Klagenfurt | 36 | 25 | 0 | 11 | 126:85 | 77 |
| 2. Graz99ers | 36 | 25 | 0 | 11 | 119:77 | 75 |
| 3. EC Salzburg | 37 | 24 | 0 | 13 | 121:76 | 69 |
| 4. HCB South Tyrol | 35 | 21 | 0 | 14 | 125:88 | 66 |
| 5. Olimpija Ljubljana | 38 | 23 | 0 | 15 | 139:106 | 65 |
| 6. HC Pustertal | 35 | 20 | 0 | 15 | 122:97 | 60 |
| 7. Fehervar | 36 | 17 | 0 | 19 | 86:112 | 52 |
| 8. Ferencvarosi | 36 | 14 | 0 | 22 | 98:127 | 47 |
| 9. Linz | 36 | 17 | 0 | 19 | 114:118 | 46 |
| 10. Vienna Capitals | 36 | 15 | 0 | 21 | 89:108 | 46 |
| 11. EC Villach | 35 | 14 | 0 | 21 | 108:120 | 44 |
| 12. Vorarlberg | 35 | 11 | 0 | 24 | 85:142 | 33 |
| 13. HC Innsbruck | 37 | 8 | 0 | 29 | 89:165 | 22 |
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