HCB South Tyrol: An interim balance

by Thomas Laconi

It couldn't be better. Because if someone had predicted at the beginning of the season that the Talferstadt team would be leaders in the EBEL at the beginning of November, then that someone would probably have been laughed at. But the HCB Südtirol wins, convinces, inspires – and is also a points machine. Coach Pokel's statements after winning the derby against Innsbruck on Sunday perhaps describe the moment best. “We have an excellent team, we are doing great things and can now hope to take part in the Master Round.”

Great values

HCB Südtirol was able to collect 20 points in 31 games – out of a possible 40. Of the last nine encounters, the White-Reds have only lost two - both in penalty shootouts. Egger & Co. scored 16 out of 18 points during this time alone.

But that's not enough. The Pokel team, together with Red Bull Salzburg, is the strongest away team. The Italian record champions have already achieved seven wins abroad. The Talferstadt team has never lost in regular time in front of their own audience. When it comes to the power play, the people of Bolzano are in third place with a rate of 22,34 percent.

HCB Südtirol is a very fair team because it is the team that has received the fewest penalty times so far (9,95 percent). The Foxes are also strong in penalty killing. Here the rate is 80,52 percent. Significant values that underline that it is no coincidence that the people of Bolzano enjoy their place in the sun.

A fiery first line and lots of workers Bolzano does not have any outstanding players in its ranks. But there are many players at a very good level who perform well in both the offensive and defensive areas. Conductor Pokel also managed to find the right mix with his block composition.

The first line currently makes up the difference. Playing here are MacGregor Sharp (he is the top scorer with eleven goals) and Kim Strömberg, who benefit from Mar Santorelli's class (seven goals and 22 assists). Behind them, Bolzano has three blocks with experienced and young, hungry players.

Sebastien Pichè shines in defense, having collected 24 points so far (6 goals, 18 assists). All players give their maximum in every game and everyone fights for each other. This is certainly a fact that cannot be underestimated. Bolzano suffered its biggest defeat on September 27, 2013 in Graz (2:5) with “only” a three-goal difference.

The construction sites

Jaroslav Hübl has many ups and downs in goal. With a catch rate of 90,3 percent, he is third to last among all EBEL goalies. The goalkeeper from Chomutov needs to become more consistent in his performances. But it is also a fact that Bolzano is missing a “clearer” in front of the goal to further stabilize the backline. If an interesting opportunity arises on the transfer market, managing director Dieter Knoll should jump on it immediately.

There is a question mark behind Enrico Miglioranzi in defense. Pokel really wanted the former Asiago defender, but rarely used him. A change is no longer ruled out. The Italian national coach will decide, willy-nilly, about Miglioranzi's future.

Up front, Rick Schofield and Matt Beaudoin have disappointed so far, although both players are showing an upward trend. Beaudoin has played better in recent games alongside Whitfield and surprise man Pance, while Schofield seems to fit in well with Zisser and Gander on the fourth line.

The fans The spectators stream into the ice wave again, where you can literally feel the enthusiasm of the fans. On average, 2146 spectators come to the home games in the Bolzano ice hockey stadium. The last time against Innsbruck there were even 2443 fans, who can now be counted as Talferstadt's seventh man again. But there is room for even more spectators in Galvani Street - and the Foxes would definitely deserve it after their performances in the first 20 games...

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HCB South Tyrol: An interim balance

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