Simon Kostner & Co. won against Jesenice. © Matias Demsar

South Tyrolean Big Points in the Qualification Round

The Ritten Buam and HC Gherdëina took a big step towards the pre-playoffs on Tuesday evening. At the same time, HC Meran also sent a strong signal of life.

February 17, 2026

From: leo

The Ritten/Renon Buam have played three games in the intermediate round – all ending 3-2. After their victory against EC Bregenzerwald and their loss against HC Gherdëina, Brett Welychka and his teammates secured another 3-2 win in Jesenice on Tuesday. This result allowed Mike Halmo's team to maintain their top position in Qualification Round B.

Although the Buam started stronger, they received a cold shower in the twelfth minute: After a pass from Mehle, Grega Koblar deflected the puck past Buam goalie Colin Furlong into the net. However, the visitors were undeterred and pressed for the equalizer, which they achieved late in the first period. After winning the puck in the neutral zone, Simon Kostner quickly transitioned, passing to Leonardo Felicetti, who remained composed in front of goalie Zan Us.

Ritten turns the game on its head

In the second period, the Slovenians were again the first to score. Nejc Burgar beat Furlong for the second time with a beautiful wrist shot. But Ritten's response was swift: After the restart, the puck came to Alderson, who attempted a cross-ice pass into the slot, but instead hit an opposing skate. The puck then trickled over the line. Things got even better for the blue-and-reds when Diego Cuglietta capitalized on a mistake by the hosts, turned, and fired home to make it 3-2.

Jacob Crespi & Co. secured an important victory. © Matias Demsar

In the final period, Jesenice pressed the Buam back into their own half and were twice unlucky: First, Ziga Urukalo hit the post (52nd minute), then Tian Hebar followed suit (54th minute). Even during a two-minute penalty kill, Ritten's defense held firm against the hosts' offensive efforts. In the closing stages, Jesenice weakened themselves with several penalties and had to play the remainder of the game shorthanded, paving the way for Ritten's 3-2 victory.

Endre celebrates shutout

A little later, HC Gherdëina celebrated their second victory in their second game: Marcel Skokan's team prevailed 2-0 against EC Bregenzerwald. Goaltender Claes Endre became the man of the match, witnessing a dominant performance from his teammates (37-21 shots) and recording his first shutout in an HCG jersey. Sebastiano Soracreppa also achieved a milestone, scoring his first goal of the season with a long-range shot in the ninth minute. Matteo Luisetti was responsible for the second goal, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Castlunger. The scoreboard remained unchanged for the final two periods.

Claes Endre kept a clean sheet. © ECB/Rosenthal

Meanwhile, HC Meran celebrated a crucial victory, defeating Pieve di Cadore 4-0 and thus securing a pre-playoff spot. The Borgatello-coached team laid the foundation for this success in the opening minutes. Patrick Tomasini opened the scoring after three minutes, before the Eagles successfully weathered three Ampezzo power plays. Samuel Claesson and Daniel Gellon then extended the lead to a comfortable 3-0 in the second period, a lead that HCM maintained until the final buzzer. Claesson added another goal in the third period to seal the 4-0 victory.

Wipptal earns a point

In the Master Round, the Wipptal Broncos missed out on their first win of the season against HC Asiago – despite leading 1-0 until two minutes before the end. Davide Conci had scored the opening goal in the 33rd minute with a breakaway while the Broncos were shorthanded. From then on, the Broncos had several chances to seal the victory. However, they failed to capitalize, and instead, former Broncos player Ryan Valentini tied the game with a deflection 101 seconds before the final buzzer. The game went into overtime, where Nick Porco scored the game-winner with a solo effort.

Alps Hockey League:

Master round

Wipptal Broncos – HC Asiago 1:2 aet
Goals: 1:0 Conci (32.39), 1:1 Valentini (58.19), 1:2 Porco (63.27)
Audience: 469

KHL Sisak – EK Zell am See 1:3
Goals: 1:0 Dobric (21.04), 1:1 Tomazevic (31.14), 1:2 Schmid (32.26), 1:3 Tomazevic (51.33)
Audience: 1582


Qualification Round A

SG Cortina – HC Meran 0:4
Goals: 0:1 Tomasini (2.52), 0:2 Claesson (28.22), 0:3 Gellon (33.37), 0:4 Claesson (45.54)
Audience: 150


Qualification Round B

EC Bregenzerwald – HC Gherdëina 0:2
Goals: 0:1 Soracreppa (8.21), 0:2 Luisetti (17.33)
Audience: 610

HDD Jesenice – Rittner Buam 2:3
Goals: 1:0 Koblar (11.44), 1:1 Felicetti (17.43), 2:1 Burgar (25.26), 2:2 Alderson (25.28), 2:3 Cuglietta (34.00)
Audience: 400