Scott Valentine and Thomas Raffl compete at the Sparkasse Arena. © Vanna Antonello

“Like Christmas”: The ice hockey season begins

Although HCB Südtirol Alperia has already played its first competitive games in the Champions Hockey League (CHL), the "real" season kicks off on Friday. Then the Foxes and HC Falkensteiner Pustertal will play their first game in the domestic ICE Hockey League (ICEHL).

September 12, 2025

From: leo

At 36, HCP defender Jon Blum has already experienced countless season starts, yet this special day feels "like Christmas" to him. Bolzano's captain Daniel Frank can hardly wait to finally step into the ring. "We're starting right away with a great game, which makes it all the more exciting," says the Merano native, referring to the clash against Red Bull Salzburg. The reigning champions will be guests at the Sparkasse Arena on Friday at 19.45:XNUMX p.m.

"We showed in the Champions League that we're present. We clearly want the three points," says Frank. While his Füchse are on the right track, there's still a lot of work ahead. "Now it's about integrating the system even better, paying more attention to the details, and playing more cohesively as a team. It's normal that it will take a while until everything clicks into place, but we're already at a good point."

Kleinendorst keeps the ball flat

Coach Kurt Kleinendorst hopes the Champions League games will have a positive impact on HCB's league performance. "But that's impossible to say for sure. We'll see. What's certain is that we'll enter the game with the same attitude as always and want to show the best version of ourselves." Although Kleinendorst doesn't yet know much about the league rivalries, he's looking forward to a "special duel" with the Bulls.

JC Lipon aims to get off to a good start with HCP in the new season. © HC Pustertal / I. Foppa

HC Pustertal is also looking forward to their away game against HC Innsbruck at 19.15:XNUMX p.m. "We've worked hard and long on ourselves in preparation," says veteran Daniel Glira before the first game of the season, which he describes as a "small derby." Captain Raphael Andergassen is convinced that Pustertal needs to focus on its game. Then there's a good chance that the traveling HCP fans from across the Brenner Pass will have reason to celebrate.

Alongside Glira, new signing Jon Blum has been named the Wolves' second assistant. The new recruit speaks of the honor of being a leader. "That's why they hired me. I bring experience and a winning culture," explains Blum. "After five weeks of hard work, we have to bring everything to perfection in Innsbruck." The Wolves' home debut is scheduled for Sunday, when the Graz 99ers visit the Intercable Arena as part of Family Day (17 p.m.).

ICE Hockey League

Friday, September 12st:
Ferencvaros Budapest – Villacher SV (18.30:XNUMX p.m.)
EC KAC – AV Fehervar (19.15:XNUMX p.m.)
Black Wings Linz – Pioneers Vorarlberg
HC Innsbruck – HC Pustertal
Olimpija Ljubljana – Vienna Capitals
HC Bozen – Red Bull Salzburg (19.45:XNUMX p.m.)

Sunday September 14rd:
AV Fehervar – Black Wings Linz (16 p.m.)
Pioneers Vorarlberg – HC Innsbruck
Red Bull Salzburg – EC KAC (16.30 p.m.)
HC Pustertal – Graz 99ers (17 p.m.)
Vienna Capitals – Ferencvaros Budapest (17.30 p.m.)
Olimpija Ljubljana – Villacher SV (18 p.m.)