Asiago celebrates, Ritten laments. © Serena Fantini

Bankruptcy in Asiago: The air is getting thinner and thinner in Ritten

The Ritten/Renon Buam are in danger of missing their first major goal of the season. After their defeat against HC Asiago, Simon Kostner and his teammates no longer control their own destiny in terms of advancing to the Master Round of the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL).

27 January 2026

From: leo/pm

With EC Kitzbühel (5th), EC Bregenzerwald (6th), the Rittner Buam (7th), and the Wipptal Broncos (8th), four teams are still vying for a spot in the Master Round. Since Tuesday evening, it's been confirmed that fourth-place Asiago has secured its place in the playoffs. A decisive factor was their 4-1 victory against the Rittner Buam, marking their twelfth consecutive win across all competitions.

The Buam started the game furiously and took the lead after an excellent power play. A quick passing sequence was finished off by Kostner to make it 1-0. The hosts also showed that they are a force to be reckoned with on the power play: Filippo Rigoni made a brilliant pass to Marco Magnabosco, who remained ice-cold in front of goalie Colin Furlong.

The second period began rather uneventfully. Asiago dominated possession, but clear-cut scoring chances were scarce. In the 31st minute, however, the home team took the lead: after a blocked shot, the puck fell to Nathan Garau, who beat Furlong on a breakaway. Things got even worse for the visitors when Casetti added a third goal on a rebound late in the second period, making it 3-1.

Asiago defends lead

Ritten threw everything forward in the last 20 minutes, trying to avert defeat with pace and attacking intent, but finally had to capitulate two and a half minutes before the end. When Furlong left the goal for an extra player, Valentini scored into the empty net.

With two matchdays remaining, the Buam are three points behind fifth place in the standings. Victories against Wipptal (Thursday) and Cortina (Saturday) are therefore essential to maintain their Master Round hopes. At the same time, Dave MacQueen's team must hope for a slip-up from their rivals.

Alps Hockey League:

HDD Jesenice – EK Zell am See 1:4
Goals: 0:1 Huard (10.47), 0:2 Huard (25.28), 1:2 Slivnik (37.29), 1:3 Wilfan (59.32), 1:4 Widhalm (59.54)
Audience: 300

HC Asiago – Rittner Buam
Goals: 0:1 Kostner (4.07), 1:1 Magnabosco (12.03), 2:1 Garau (30.54), 3:1 Casetti (37.59), 4:1 Valentini (57.33)
Audience: 1560