Mateo Luisetti (right) scored the equalizer. © Max Pattis

Val Gardena breaks the spell – the lowlands suddenly in the middle of it all

HC Gherdëina had waited almost three and a half years for a victory against the Ritten Buam. This drought came to an end on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, the Unterland Cavaliers celebrated a surprising victory, which suddenly makes anything possible again.

February 07, 2026

From: leo

If the Ritten Buam have a favorite opponent in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL), it's undoubtedly their neighbors from Val Gardena. Marco Marzolini and his teammates recently celebrated ten consecutive victories against the Furie. Their last defeat came on September 29, 2022. This impressive streak came to an end in Qualification Round B, where every point counts more than ever. Marcel Skokan's team prevailed 3-2 at the Ritten Arena.

Even before the match, Ritten's new coach, Mike Halmo, had to deal with some bad news, as two foreign players, Jacob Crespi and Patrick Madsen, were unavailable. Their absence inevitably impacted the home team's play, as they were always a step behind. Gröden created more possession, but failed to convert it into goals. Matteo Luisetti missed their best chance, firing a penalty shot wide. On the other end, Ritten, looking to counter-attack, were thwarted by Diego Cuglietta's shot that hit the post, and Simon Kostner's breakaway attempt was thwarted by HCG goalkeeper Claes Endre.

Val Gardena remains cool

The game really took off with Brett Welychka's opening goal: the Canadian remained ice-cold in front of Endre. However, thanks to a quickfire double within 110 seconds, HCG turned the game on its head. First, Matteo Luisetti converted a perfect pass from Vozovik, before Davide Schiavone pounced on a rebound during the power play to make it 2-1. Just 29 seconds into the final period, Welychka leveled the score again after being lost to the HCG defense. But Ritten's joy was short-lived, as HCG regained the lead in the 44th minute. Carmine Buono passed to the middle, where Vlastimil Dostalek fired a shot on goal. From then on, the visitors had numerous chances to seal the victory early – but the score remained 3-2.

Tizian Giovanelli celebrated a shutout. © Vanna Antonello

The Unterland Cavaliers also celebrated a crucial victory, climbing into a pre-playoff spot thanks to their 2-0 win against EC Kitzbühel. After four consecutive losses against the Eagles, Tobias Brighenti and his teammates finally had reason to celebrate. Manuel Santer became the hero of the hour, scoring his first goal in his 95th AlpsHL game. After his goal in the 38th minute, the score remained unchanged until Erik Potsinok sealed the victory shortly before the final buzzer.

Merano suddenly last

Meanwhile, HC Meran experienced a bitter evening, losing 4-6 to Cortina – and thus slipping to the bottom of the Qualification Round A standings. A sluggish second period proved fatal for the Eagles, in which the Ampezzo team, led by four-goal scorer Oskari Kalajanniska, turned a 0-1 deficit into a 5-2 lead. The Borgatello-coached team was unable to overcome this deficit in the final period.

In the Master Round, the Wipptal Broncos are still waiting for their first win. James Livingston and his teammates lost 3-4 to the Red Bull Juniors. Davide Conci and Jerkko Rämo initially turned a 0-1 deficit into a lead, before Salzburg took a 3-2 lead in the final period. Just 29 seconds after Bryson Cianfrone tied the game again, Salzburg's top scorer Maxim Eliseev sealed the victory.

Alps Hockey League:

Master round

Red Bull Juniors – Wipptal Broncos 4:3
Goals: 1:0 Eliseev (15.59), 1:1 Conci (15.24), 1:2 Rämo (30.12), 2:2 Auer (36.54), 3:2 Gesson (41.51), 3:3 Cianfrone (49.30), 4:3 Eliseev (49.59)
Audience: 60

HC Asiago – EK Zell am See 1:3
Goals: 0:1 Coffman (6.25), 1:1 Porco (16.51), 1:2 Rappold (35.26), 1:3 Coffman (47.58)
Audience: 1630


Qualification Round A

Unterland Cavaliers – EC Kitzbühel 2:0
Goals: 1:0 Santer (37.36), 2:0 Erik Potsinok (59.13)
Audience: 243

HC Meran – SG Cortina 4:6
Goals: 1:0 Nousiainen (8.45), 1:1 Alverà (20.57), 1:2 Kalajanniska (26.04), 1:3 Stöffling (28.20), 1:4 Kalajanniska (30.04), 2:4 Nousiainen (33.31), 2:5 Kalajanniska (38.59), 3:5 Cruseman (57.00), 4:5 Cruseman (59.05), 4:6 Kalajanniska (59.42)
Audience: 420


Qualification Round B

Rittner Buam – HC Gherdëina 2:3
Goals: 1:0 Welychka (27.31), 1:1 Luisetti (35.27), 1:2 Schiavone (37.17), 2:2 Welychka (40.29), 2:3 Dostalek (43.08)
Audience: 586