Andy Bernard and HC Meran are fighting for a place in the semifinals in Asiago. © BK Photo

Reverse signs for South Tyrolean teams

The Alps Hockey League continues on Thursday with the fifth game of the playoff quarterfinal series. While the Wipptal Broncos are fighting to avoid elimination, HC Meran and HC Gherdeina could secure their place in the semifinals.

March 18, 2026

From: cst

In Salzburg, a fifth game between the Red Bulls and HC Pustertal was expected. This is because HCG doesn't play Salzburg's second team until Friday. Just like the first team, the RB Juniors also face elimination against a South Tyrolean team. Val Gardena leads the series 3-1 and needs one more win to advance to the semifinals.

The remaining three games will take place on Thursday. The Wipptal Broncos are battling to end their season in Zell am See. "It's not over yet. The fourth win is always the hardest. This is going to be a long streak," Paul Eisendle is certain. The Wipptal star also lays out the game plan: "They're a good team. You have to play hard against them; maybe we haven't been playing hard enough lately."

The Wipptal Broncos are aiming to extend their winning streak in Zell am See.

Finally, HC Meran also has the chance to secure their place in the semifinals. The team from Merano has already racked up three wins against former ICE Hockey League side Asiago. Andy Bernard and his teammates can celebrate the decisive victory on Thursday at the Stellati's Hodegart Stadium.

Alps Hockey League: Playoff Quarterfinals, Game 5 (best of seven)

Sisak - Cortina (Thursday, 7:30 pm)
Score in the series: 3:1

Zell am See - Wipptal
Score in the series: 3:1

Asiago – Merano (20 p.m.)
Score in the series: 1:3

Salzburg II - Gröden (Friday, 7:15 pm)
Score in the series: 1:3

IHL: Playoff Semi-final, Game 3 (best of five)

Aosta – Varese (Thursday, 20 p.m.)
Score in the series: 2:0

Kaltern – Pergine (20.30 p.m.)
Score in the series: 1:1