The HCB cracks have always been able to count on loud support. © HCB/zulustudios.it

Before the home game double: What is happening in the Bolzano fan curve?

HC Pustertal and HCB Südtirol Alperia each have two crucial games coming up on Friday and Saturday. Before the explosive duels, however, the focus is turning from the polished ice to the stands of the Bozen ice arena. There is a dispute there.

23 January 2025

From: fop

HC Bozen will be hosting a double home game on Friday and Saturday – and it's a tough one. First, the Foxes will face the star-studded Graz 99ers, and just 24 hours later they will host league leaders Fehervar in the absolute summit clash.

In terms of sport, everything seems to be going well for the Foxes. The two convincing victories against Salzburg and Klagenfurt were followed by a setback in Linz, but the HCB can launch its attack on the top of the table this weekend with almost its best team. With the exception of Dustin Gazley, who will be out for several weeks due to injury, all players are available to coach Glen Hanlon.

Only Gazley is missing from the HCB

The only thing that is causing concern for the title contender these days is a development away from the ice. There is a lot of unrest in the fan section. There have been several clashes between the white and red fans this season, the most recent clash to date taking place in the final minutes of the last home game against champions Salzburg. It is about supremacy in the loudest and probably most feared fan block in the league, the Bozen back goal stand. Several ultra groups are at loggerheads with each other, and the atmosphere has suffered recently as a result.

But why is the dispute escalating now, so close to the decisive phase of the season? The fact is that young, sometimes violent fans have been pushing their way into the stands for some time. Up until now, the old fans, i.e. ultras from the circle of the notorious and long-disbanded Mele Marce, had the say there. They have now pulled the ripcord. As has already been communicated internally, they will now make room for young fans, but at the same time they will also take down their banner with the inscription "Figli di Bolzano".

The lettering “Figli di Bolzano” will no longer decorate the fan curve. © HCB

"Of course we are watching what is happening in the stands very closely," the club said. "It is important to us that the fans continue to stand united behind the team." The latest developments within the fan scene are likely to be noticeable as early as Friday (game starts at 19.45:XNUMX p.m.) against Graz. One thing is certain: The Foxes need all the support they can get against the Styrian team with their former NHL stars Korbinian Holzer, Casey Bailey and Kevin Roy.

Wolves visit Innsbruck

The Pusterer Wolves are also in need of support, as they absolutely have to score full points in Innsbruck on Friday (19.15 p.m.) in order to gain ground in the battle for eighth place and the associated home advantage in the pre-playoffs. The focus is particularly on HCP top scorer Jason Akeson, who announced his departure in the summer on WednesdayThe Bruneck team will also face Graz the next day, while the HCB will simultaneously invite Fehervar to the summit dance – ideally in an atmospheric Sparkasse Arena.

The next ICE dates:

Friday January 24th
Innsbruck – Pustertal (19.15 p.m.)
Villach – Vienna (19.15 p.m.)
Salzburg – Klagenfurt (19.15 p.m.)
Vorarlberg – Linz (19.30:XNUMX pm)
Bolzano – Graz (19.45 p.m.)
Asiago – Fehervar (19.45 pm)

Saturday January 25th
Bolzano – Fehervar (19.45 p.m.)
Pustertal – Graz (19.45 pm)