The test match was a real slam. © BK Photo

Electrifying atmosphere: Bolzano celebrates in the classic

In front of a large and, above all, loud crowd, HC Bozen won the classic against HC Merano and concluded their preseason. Now things are finally getting serious for the Foxes.

September 03, 2025

From the Merano Arena

HC Bozen vs. HC Merano – this is one of the greatest classics Italian ice hockey has to offer. However, fans haven't seen this clash at the championship level for a while, as the Foxes play in the ICE and the Adler in the AlpsHL. However, the encounter between the white-red and black-white teams has become a fixture in the preseason. On Wednesday, the two clubs faced off at the Merano Arena – and HCB celebrated a fitting 4-0 victory.

The electrifying power of the ice hockey duel between South Tyrol's two largest cities became clear when one looked up at the stands. 1.250 fans passed through the gates of the Merano stadium on this Wednesday evening. As both fan groups passionately cheered each other on for 60 minutes, an atmosphere arose that is perhaps not often experienced at a friendly match in South Tyrol.

Bolzano and Merano delivered a thrilling match. © BK Photo

On the ice itself, Bolzano’s Champions League heroes (they won on Sunday in Rauma, Finland, caused a major coup) The Foxes quickly established a clear lead. Less than three minutes into the game, the Foxes were already leading 2-0. New signing Brett Pollock was responsible for this. First, he only had to tap in a Cole-Schneider cross (2nd minute), then he found a gap from a tight angle and beat Merano goalkeeper Andy Bernard (3rd minute).

Merano defends itself bravely

Bolzano's rhythm in those first few minutes still had a Champions League feel to it, and only gradually did the Foxes ease off the accelerator. Nevertheless, the Merano goal rang again in the first period: a powerful Di Perna shot, after Bernard's attempted clearance, arced into the Adler net (13').

Philip Samuelsson (right) is a solid defensive player. © BK Photo

Merano subsequently defended bravely against the favorites and bravely survived several shorthanded situations, except in the 35th minute, when Bolzano's most notable player, Pollock, played a pinpoint pass to Shane Gersich, who only had to push the puck over the line. Merano was denied a consolation goal, and the Passerstadt team's Samuel Claesson hit the post (37th).

This is how things continue for both clubs

For Merano, the Hansjörg Brunner Memorial is coming up this weekend, providing another treat in their own arena. HC Bozen concluded its preseason with Wednesday's match. Two Champions League matches remain at the Sparkasse Arena on Friday (against Kometa Brno) and Sunday (against Mountfield HK), before the league season begins with a home game against Red Bull Salzburg on Friday, September 12th.

HC Meran Pircher – HCB Südtirol Alperia 0:4

Gates: 0:1 Brett Pollock (1.39), 0:2 Brett Pollock (2.34), 0:3 Dylan DiPerna (12.58), 0:4 Shane Gersich (34.02)