The Foxes are hungry for further success in the Champions Hockey League. © HCB

“It will be a celebration”: Bolzano dances internationally

HCB Südtirol Alperia caused a stir on Sunday with a sensational victory in Finland in the Champions League. Now the Foxes are already planning their next coup. For HCB coach Kurt Kleinendorst, the result isn't the most important thing in this weekend's home doubleheader. At least, that's what he says in the following interview.

September 04, 2025

This will be a treat for the Bolzano fans! On Friday, Kometa Brno The reigning Czech champions are coming to the country's capital. For the Foxes, this also means grit, fight, and suffer for 60 minutes of play. Because once again, they are the clear underdogs in the Champions Hockey League.

Kometa has clearly won its two previous CHL matches against Damian Clara's Brynäs and Odense; the Eastern Europeans are 14-time champions in their home country. The Brno team is led by captain and 2024 World Champion Jakub Flek. The duel with Kometa will take place on Friday at 19.45:XNUMX p.m. (in the SportNewslive ticker).

Comet seems overpowering

The task for the HCB will be no less difficult two days later against Mountfield HKThe fact that the club from Hradec Králové in eastern Czechia, which prominently features the sponsor in its name, is certainly beatable is demonstrated by previous CHL games: Brynäs (5:0) and also underdog Odense (4:3 in overtime) brought Mountfield to their knees. Also due to this and, of course, because of the 4:3 coups against Lukko Rauma Can Bozen hope for a surprise on Sunday (15.30:XNUMX p.m.). Or what does HCB coach Kurt Kleinendorst think? We asked him in the following short interview.

Kurt Kleinendorst has prepared his team for the CHL challenges. © HCB

Mr. Kleinendorst, did the victory in Finland make you want more?

"No, I wouldn't say that. The win against Lukko is a chapter in itself. It was one of the highlights of my entire career. Not because of the three points, but simply because it was the culmination of an unforgettable trip. The boys fought so incredibly hard against Frölunda, but then had to leave the ice empty-handed. Hardly anyone slept a wink the following night. We continued on to Finland by bus and plane. Those were really tough days – and yet we all had so much fun together. That group feeling gives you immense joy. The win rounded it off perfectly."


So you don't see any chance of advancing in the Champions Hockey League?

"Believe me, I'm not even thinking about that. For me, it's not about winning or losing. This early in the season, it's simply important that the guys grow together, build their form, and reach their best possible performance level. Of course, successes like the one in Finland are incredibly beneficial. But as a coach, I have to pay attention to how the players and the team are developing. Advancing to the Champions League later on is just as much of a focus as the targeted playoff appearance."

“But I’ve never heard anyone complain here.” HCB coach Kurt Kleinendorst

Are you satisfied with your team’s development so far?

"Absolutely! Since our first day of training in Corvara, we've been going full throttle here. I'm someone who demands a lot from my players, who makes them sweat during preseason. But I've never heard anyone complain here. On the contrary, the players push each other. That's reflected in our games. I think we're making progress every day."


Will you field your best team for the first time this weekend against Kometa and Mountfield?

"Brad McClure is injured and won't be back until next week at the earliest. Jason Seed could become a father at any moment, and his participation is also uncertain. However, one or two absences are normal over the course of a season, and we can handle that. The guys who will be on the ice on Friday are all really good hockey players, so I'm not worried at all. So the fans can look forward to a real celebration."


Speaking of celebration: HC Bozen has expanded its competitive debut in front of a home crowd into a massive "Ice Breaker Party." Fans will be treated to three days of top-notch entertainment from Friday to Sunday, featuring Champions League ice hockey, live music before and after games, food trucks, autograph signings, and a public training session featuring the HCB stars.

The CHL dates for the weekend:

Friday, 19.45:XNUMX p.m.: HC Bozen – Kometa Brno
Sunday, 15.30:XNUMX p.m.: HC Bozen – Mountfield HK

The CHL table:

Info: The first 16 teams qualify for the knockout phase.