Erik Potsinok (front) scored a hat trick. © Diego Capraro

The Potsinoks dismantle decimated Wipptaler

The Wipptal Broncos' chances of reaching the Master Round of the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) have diminished significantly: Without numerous key players, the Wild Horses were defeated by the Unterland Cavaliers on Saturday evening.

17 January 2026

From: leo

Coach Johan Sjöquist was able to call upon Case Kantgias for the first time, but in addition to goalkeeper Dominik Groh, Jerkko Rämo, Bryson Cianfrone, and long-term injury absentee Connor Sanvido were also unavailable. These absences proved costly: Wipptal failed to score for the first time this season and suffered a 0-4 defeat against the Cavaliers, led by hat-trick hero Erik Potsinok.

In front of nearly 500 spectators, the home side started strong, putting Groh's replacement, Fabian Klammer, under pressure. Klammer, however, consistently found the perfect answer. In the 44th minute, though, the homegrown talent was finally beaten when Potsinok opened the scoring.

The Great Potsinok Show

But the Estonian's hunger for goals was far from satisfied. He scored on the power play in the 50th minute before completing his hat trick three and a half minutes later. His twin brother Marek, who had previously tallied two assists, then put the finishing touch on the scoring. Linemate Viktor Eriksson set up all four goals.

Wipptal's defeat has now dropped them out of contention for the top five. With five games remaining, they are already nine points behind EC Kitzbühel. Direct playoff qualification is now only possible through a miracle.

Alps Hockey League:

Unterland Cavaliers – Wipptal Broncos 4:0
Goals: 1:0 Erik Potsinok (43.16), 2:0 Erik Potsinok (49.08), 3:0 Erik Potsinok (52.41), 4:0 Marek Potsinok (57.26)
Audience: 463

EC Kitzbühel – SG Cortina 5:1
Goals: 1:0 Fröwis (1.45), 1:1 Pompanin (9.00), 2:1 Waschnig (25.29), 3:1 Crnkic (32.58), 4:1 Maxa (35.00), 5:1 Podlipnik (56.41)
Audience: 1086

EC Bregenzerwald – Red Bull Juniors 2:6
Goals: 0-1 Eliseev (9:21), 0-2 Lanziger (11:24), 0-3 Bloch (12:19), 0-4 Auer (16:06), 0-5 Oberhauser (19:49), 1-5 Kramer (34:27), 2-5 Grasser (58:18), 2-6 Eliseev (59:49)
Audience: 1543

HC Asiago – EK Zell am See 4:3
Goals: 1:0 Johnson (5.46), 2:0 Calisti (7.30), 2:1 Tomazevic (35.23), 2:2 Wilfan (39.57), 3:2 Parco (43.39), 3:3 Uschan (46.53), 4:3 Porco (53.01)
Audience: 2680