Gianluca Vallini always kept his perspective. © Dorner Joe

“We were dominated”: Bolzano’s deceptive shooting festival

With a 6-0 thrashing of the Pioneers Vorarlberg, HCB Südtirol Alperia collected their first three points in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) on Friday evening. Contrary to what the final score suggests, the game was not a one-way street.

September 20, 2025

From: leo

Gianluca Vallini has been a guaranteed starter in Bolzano's goal since 2023. The regular backup goalie has played 24 league games for his hometown club during that time. His impressive record: 21 wins and just three losses. On Friday, the 31-year-old repaid his coach's trust with a brilliant performance. 23 shots flew at his goal – not a single one went in. Especially in the first period, the South Tyrolean had to make countless desperate saves. The fact that the victory was never in danger at the end, was not least his merit.

"We were very lucky to be leading 1-0 after the first period, as the distribution of chances clearly favored them, roughly 16-4," said coach Kurt Kleinendorst after the game. "Vorarlberg dominated us." But fortunately, there are intermissions in ice hockey, the American said. "That helped us reset everything and start with a fresh start. After the first intermission, we got going. What we did well today was our ability to capitalize on our chances."

Max Gildon (right) scored a goal. © Dorner Joe

The 2-0 and 3-0 then gave the Bozen team some ease, because "it is always easier to play with a lead than to chase a deficit," emphasises Kleinendorst.

Overconfident Vorarlberg?

His counterpart, Johannes Nygard, blamed the first period for the defeat. "We played well, created chances, but didn't capitalize on them. After falling behind, we got a bit too cocky, took too many risks, and lost our good habits. Yes, we want to put pressure on the opponent with our offense, but at the same time, we can't neglect defense," emphasized the Finn, who is still waiting for his first point with the Pioneers after three matchdays.

The Vorarlbergers' next chance for success comes on Sunday when they host league leaders Olimpija Ljubljana. The HCB, meanwhile, faces Klagenfurter AC in a prestigious clash.