HC Meran's second semi-final match in Sisak got out of hand. © All photos: BK Photo

Overwhelmed in the semi-finals: Merano loses by double digits

Less than 24 hours after their stunning opening victory, HC Meran suffered a crushing defeat in the Alps Hockey League semi-final in Croatia. Their lead in the series is now gone.

March 29, 2026

From: fop

On Saturday, Merano still had turned a 0:2 deficit into a 4:2 victory in the final minutes of the game.This time, a comeback failed to materialize; worse still, the Eagles were thoroughly thrashed by KHL Sisak. They suffered a 3-10 defeat.

HCM was particularly outmatched on special teams that evening. Sisak scored twice on a 5-on-3 power play and twice even while shorthanded. Man of the game was Danila Larionovs, who contributed three goals and an assist to the Croatians' home victory.

In front of more than 2.200 spectators, Sisak looked dangerous from the start and were clearly determined to avenge their opening defeat. The Croatians took the lead in the 3rd minute. Shortly after, they increased their lead to 2-0 through Yeob, who scored with a shot from the slot. For the third goal, Kasparek was perfectly positioned and deflected a shot past the goalkeeper.

Both goalkeepers substituted

A curious scene occurred in the last minute of the first period: Meran's Cruseman was cross-checked onto Sisak goalie Vilim, who had to leave the ice with a knee injury.
Just when Meran seemed to be rallying in the middle section, Larionovs scored the decisive 4-0 with a solo run while shorthanded.

Although Nousiainen scored Meran's first goal shortly afterward with a one-timer during a power play, the comeback never materialized. Instead, Sisak struck twice within 30 seconds, making it 6-1 around the halfway mark and effectively sealing the victory.

After conceding the fifth goal, Bernard replaced 17-year-old Gamper in goal. However, Gamper would also have to pick the ball out of his net five more times. Although Meran had more shots (23-21), Sisak had far more possession and ultimately the better scoring opportunities. The two further HCM goals by Brunner and Trivellato were merely cosmetic.

The series moves to Merano

The semifinals are now moving to South Tyrol for the first time. Next Wednesday, Merano will try to reclaim the series lead in front of their home crowd. Val Gardena and Zell am See will play their third match on Tuesday. That best-of-seven series is also tied 1-1.

The Alps Hockey League semi-finals:

KHL Sisak – HC Meran 10:3
Gates: 1:0 Puzic (2.40), 2:0 Yeob (8.26), 3:0 Kasparek (13.11), 4:0 Larionovs (27.28), 4:1 Nousiainen (28.34), 5:1 Kasparek (30.12), 6:1 Larionovs (30.35), 7:1 Juric (32.26), 7:2 Brunner (32.26), 8:2 Larionovs (39.14), 8:3 Trivellato (42.29), 9:3 Idzan (54.00), 10:3 Dobric (56.57)
Viewers: 2.211
Best of 7 series: 1:1
Next match date: Wednesday April 1th

Zell am See – HC Gröden
Best of 7 series: 1:1
Next match date: Tuesday, March 31th