Vlastimil Dostalek has been suspended. © Matthäus Kostner

Another setback: Val Gardena's top scorer suspended

HC Gherdëina will have to play their seventh and decisive Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) quarter-final game against the Red Bull Juniors on Tuesday without their top scorer.

March 23, 2026

From: sn

As the league announced on Monday evening, Vlastimil Dostalek has been suspended for one game for a check to the head. The incident, which had serious consequences for HCG, occurred on Sunday in the sixth game, which the Ladin team lost 2-6. At the start of the second period, Dostalek struck the backwards skating Alexander Rebernig in the head with his shoulder and received a match penalty.

The Department of Player Safety (DOPS) stated that while the Czech player's actions were not intentional, they were "reckless." Furthermore, Rebernig's "vulnerable" position, in which he could not have anticipated such contact, played a role. "Dostalek had the opportunity to minimize or avoid head contact, but he did not," DOPS said.

Vlastimil Dostalek has to watch. © Matthäus Kostner

The loss of the Czech player is certainly a heavy blow for HCG. Dostalek had scored six goals and provided two assists in six playoff games so far, making him by far Gröden's most dangerous player.

Who will reach the semi-finals?

The Red Bull Juniors' already established status as favorites has become even more pronounced, especially since Salzburg won their last two matches 6-2 and 9-2. The seventh game will take place on Tuesday at 7:15 pm.