Matthias Mantinger & Co. are back in action. © HC Pustertal/I. Foppa

On the couch: Pustertal secures playoff ticket

HC Falkensteiner Pustertal's direct qualification for the playoffs in the ICE Hockey League had been a mere formality in recent weeks. Since Wednesday evening, it has now been mathematically secured – even though the Wolves don't return to action until Friday.

February 19, 2026

From: leo

The Vienna Capitals were the last team that could have knocked the Wolves out of the top six. This (purely theoretical) chance vanished completely on Wednesday evening, as Mitch Hults and his teammates lost 5-7 away to Olimpija Ljubljana. Although HCP has secured its second direct playoff qualification since 2022, Ivan Deluca and his teammates will approach the final five regular-season games with full focus. Home-ice advantage is still within reach for the Wolves.

The gap to fourth place, currently held by Ljubljana and Bolzano, is five points. Jason Jaspers' team aims to take the first step towards closing the gap on Friday when Fehervar visits the Intercable Arena (7:45 p.m.). "We've trained very well over the last two weeks. The goal is to get back into our rhythm as quickly as possible and get off to a good start – especially since Fehervar was already back in action last week," emphasizes Deluca. There's no rest for Pustertal's six Olympic players, who competed in the round of 16 in Milan on Tuesday.

Speaking of the Olympics: While the international ice hockey world will be watching Milan with bated breath on Sunday for the final, HCP will be fighting for more crucial points against Red Bull Salzburg (15 p.m.). "At this stage of the season, the intensity increases even further. Every team tries to position themselves as best as possible. It will be a tough and physical game," says defenseman Austin Osmanski.

Bolzano also wants home advantage.

An intense weekend also awaits HC Bozen, who will face the Graz 99ers (Friday) and Fehervar (Saturday) at home within 24 hours. As the club announced, coach Doug Shedden will still have to do without Mark Barberio, who is expected to return to the lineup next week. Matt Bradley is also out after injuring himself in the final game against Switzerland at the Olympic Games.


“For us as a team, it is extremely important to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. At the same time, we must use the last five games to find our rhythm, fine-tune the details, and ensure that we go into the playoffs optimally prepared,” emphasizes captain Daniel Frank.

ICE Hockey League:

Friday, February 20th:
Black Wings Linz – Vienna Capitals (19.15 p.m.)
Red Bull Salzburg – Villacher SV
Klagenfurter AC – Olimpija Ljubljana
Pioneers Vorarlberg – Ferencvaros (7:30 pm)
HC Pustertal – AV Fehervar (7:45 pm)
HC Bozen – Graz 99ers

Saturday, February 21st:
HC Innsbruck – Ferencvaros (5:30 pm)
HC Bozen – AV Fehervar (18 p.m.)

Sunday, February 22nd:
Red Bull Salzburg – HC Pustertal (15:XNUMX p.m.)
Black Wings Linz – Olimpija Ljubjana (3:30 p.m.)
Villacher SV – Pioneers Vorarlberg (17 p.m.)
Graz 99ers – Klagenfurter AC (6:30 pm)