HC Pustertal defeated the Pioneers Vorarlberg. © Dorner_pioneers.hockey (13)

The returnee helps the Wolves to their next victory

HC Falkensteiner Pustertal has cemented itself at the top of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). Thanks in no small part to the brilliant comeback of a key player, the Wolves defeated the Pioneers Vorarlberg on Friday evening. The lead is within reach.

17 October 2025

From: leo

Austin Rueschoff had demonstrated his skills in the first six games of the season, but sustained an injury in late September during a home game against Ferencvaros Budapest. Around three weeks later, the American made his comeback against Pioneers Vorarlberg. The burly striker immediately took on the leading role. With two textbook assists, he played a decisive role in his Wolves' well-deserved 4-2 victory.

Coach Jason Jaspers selected Rueschoff in the first line with Rok Ticar and Tommy Purdeller because Alex Ierullo was sidelined on Friday. These three forwards combined brilliantly to score the 1-0 goal in the seventh minute. It was the opening game of a match that will not go down in the annals of the Pustertal club. The Wolves dominated the home team throughout the entire 60 minutes and were not deterred by the bizarre 1-1 equalizer: Vorarlberg cleared the ball while shorthanded, but goalkeeper Eddie Pasquale remained glued to the line, even though the puck was just a few meters in front of him. Kevin Macierzynski then capitalized on the solo effort.

With a 3-1 lead behind them, the visitors slowed down in the final period and focused primarily on defense. This approach paid off, as the Black and Yellows stole the three points from the "Ländle" – even though Vorarlberg had reduced the deficit to 2-3 at one point. In addition to the aforementioned Rueschoff, Cole Bardreau also earned top marks once again. He provided the assist for Nick Saracino's 2-1 goal, and he himself was responsible for the 3-1 goal after Rueschoff's beautiful pass. He also scored the empty-net goal at the end.

With the win, the Wolves are now just one point behind Olimpija Ljubljana, who, however, have played a game more and beat Salzburg 4-3 in overtime on Friday. With another victory in two days against Black Wings Linz (18 p.m.), Raphael Andergassen and his team aim to further increase the pressure on the Slovenians.

Pioneers Vorarlberg – HC Pustertal 2:4

PIV: Caffi (Madlener); Schnetzer-Roehl, Allen-Reini, Wempe-Arnio, Mader; Metzler-Dornbach-Burke, Adams-Gallant-Maier, Woger-Florchuk-Tschofen, Lebeda-Macierzynski-Woborsky.
coach: Nygard

HCP: Pasquale (Rabanser); Zanatta-Blum, Lauridsen-DiTomaso, Glira-Osmanski; Rueschoff-Ticar-Purdeller, Bowlby-Bardreau-Saracino, Lobis-Frycklund-Lipon, Mantinger-Andergassen-Deluca.
coach: Jasper

Gates: 0-1 Purdeller (6.47), 1-1 Macierzynski (13.21), 1-2 Saracino (23.55), 1-3 Bardreau (31.19), 2-3 Adams (50.18), 2-4 Bardreau (59.48)

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