Vlastimil Dostalek scored the winning goal for Val Gardena. © Matthaeus Kostner

Thanks to Dostalek's brace: Val Gardena strikes back

In the second quarter-final game of the playoffs against Salzburg, HC Gherdëina found the right answer to their narrow opening defeat and leveled the series at 1:1.

March 13, 2026

From: do

In the second quarterfinal game, HC Gherdëina showed a strong response to their narrow opening defeat on Friday evening in their home arena in Pranives in front of more than 1200 spectators. After an intense playoff battle, the team from Val Gardena prevailed 3-2 against the Red Bull Salzburg Juniors, thus leveling the series. Match-winner Vlastimil Dostalek scored the decisive goal in the final period, netting his second of the night.

From the outset, a fast-paced and hard-fought match unfolded, exhibiting true playoff character. HCG displayed great commitment and repeatedly threatened the visitors' goal with some beautiful combinations. The opening goal was a real highlight: Luisetti left a Salzburg defender for dead and fired a spectacular shot into the far left corner. Gröden continued to pose a threat and, for example, narrowly missed making it 2-0 through Simon Pitschieler.

Things got heated between the people of Val Gardena and Salzburg. © matthaeus kostner

The game initially turned in the second period. The Red-Blues had to start shorthanded, which allowed Salzburg to gain a foothold and equalize through Luca Kogler. Shortly after, Niklas Korhonen put the visitors ahead 2-1. Val Gardena appeared noticeably more nervous and prone to errors during this stretch, while Claes Endre prevented a larger deficit with several strong saves. Nevertheless, Val Gardena refused to give up and managed to tie the game at 2-2 just before the second intermission through Dostalek, who fired a powerful wrist shot through a crowded area in front of the net.

Dostalek brings about the decision

The final period saw another open and highly entertaining exchange with chances for both sides. The game was ultimately decided by Dostalek, who scored a spectacular wrist shot to make it 3-2, securing the crucial home victory for Gröden. Pitschieler and his teammates then had to defend their narrow lead, which they managed with great heart and determination. This win leveled the series against Salzburg for HC Gherdëina at 1-1.

Playoff quarterfinals: Friday's game

HC Gröden – Red Bull Salzburg Juniors 3:2
Goals: 1:0 Luisetti (4.31), 1:1 Kogler (22.18), 1:2 Korhonen (28.38), 2:2 Dostalek (37.57), 3:2 Dostalek (50.59)
Audience: 1208
Score in the series: 1:1