Coach Johan Sjöquist will prepare Wipptal for the new season. © Johannes Radlwimmer

The Broncos are testing internationally

The first steps towards the new season have been taken: After the initial roster details were announced, the Wipptal Broncos management has now finalized the preseason schedule – and secured some real top-tier players. A total of seven exhibition games are on the schedule, including several international matches.

28 May 2026

From: pm/sn

The opening game promises to be a special preview. On August 15th, the Broncos will host the NCAA team from Bowdoin University at Weihenstephan Arena. Tip-off is at 17 p.m. This will be the Broncos' first exhibition game in recent club history against a non-European team – and the anticipation for this unique matchup is correspondingly high.

Just one week later, the next tough test awaits. On August 23, the Wild Horses will face the Erding Gladiators away from home. The return match against the Oberliga team follows a few days later on August 28 in Sterzing.

At the end of August, the Broncos will continue their campaign at the Unterland Cup in Neumarkt. There, they will face the Unterland Cavaliers on two consecutive days, before the Pirates from Eppan take to the ice the following day.

Getting the finishing touches

The intensive preseason program concludes with a double-header against the Bellinzona Snakes from the Swiss second division. Both games will take place at the Weihenstephan Arena on September 4th and 5th.

With a diverse program of national and international opponents, the Broncos face an intensive preparation – ideal conditions to get in the right mindset for the start of the season in the Alps Hockey League.

An overview of the Broncos' preseason game schedule:

Saturday, August 15 – 17:00 PM
Wipptal Broncos – Bowdoin University (NCAA III)
Weihenstephan Arena, Sterzing

Sunday, August 23 – 18:00 PM
Erding Gladiators (Oberliga) – Wipptal Broncos
Stadtwerke Arena, Erding

Friday, August 28 – 20:00 PM
Wipptal Broncos – Erding Gladiators (Oberliga)
Weihenstephan Arena, Sterzing

Saturday, August 29 – 19:00 PM
Wipptal Broncos – Unterland Cavaliers
Neumarkt

Sunday, August 30 – 18:00 PM
Wipptal Broncos – HC Eppan
Würtharena, Neumarkt

Friday, September 4 – 19:00 PM
Wipptal Broncos – Bellinzona Snakes (SL)
Weihenstephan Arena, Sterzing

Saturday, September 5 – 17:30 p.m.
Wipptal Broncos – Bellinzona Snakes (SL)
Weihenstephan Arena, Sterzing