E-Sports: HC Pustertal is breaking new ground

The latest generation of high-end gaming consoles enable a location-independent ice hockey experience “made in Pustertal” even in times of social distancing. With this innovative project, the traditional club is not only expanding its portfolio, but is also taking on a pioneering role within the league.

eSports offshoots are already common practice at the top hockey addresses in Scandinavia, Switzerland and Germany. It is only a matter of time before this trend catches on in our part of the world and more such teams are founded. As is known from the parent clubs, the eSports teams regularly compete against each other in the form of 6 against 6 matches - in the so-called ECL (European Championship League). Ex-goalkeeper fully involved The Wolves' plan to establish themselves in this area includes a familiar face: Hannes Stoll has worn the HCP jersey for many years. He made an impressive 22 Alps and 2 ICEHL appearances. A new career path is now opening up for the multiple Italian national goalkeeper. However, Stoll is no longer an unknown quantity in the eSports scene. He has been competing there with the best in the world for some time now. The 22-year-old was already able to get a taste of the playoffs in the highest leagues of the ECL.

A new career path opens up for Hannes Stoll. © Optic Rapid/I. Foppa

“I think that many people have a wrong, or at least an outdated, image of eSports and underestimate the abilities of the players, especially in terms of tactics. The gameplay on consoles is now at such a high level of simulation that without a good understanding of ice hockey you have no real chance. Skill, concentration, quick reactions, timing and anticipating game situations have always been my greatest strengths. Exactly these characteristics are also important in eSports, and I certainly benefited from them.”

In contrast to his goalie career, Hannes will not guard the Bruneck goal on the digital ice, but will hunt for goals as a wing. Center Lukas Purer will take his place at his side. The 28-year-old has the most experience in the young team with 89 ECL appearances and various eSports tournament victories (including representing the Italian Association at the official IIHF eWM). “Jergina” will pull the strings in the game and, as captain, lead the fortunes of the newly founded team: “We can build something great with the eSports project. Of course I like to represent the colors black and yellow on the international stage!”

18-year-old Thomas Stoll and 20-year-old Lukas Schwemberger from Gais complete the core of the team. Former HCP Junior Thomas and his brother Hannes form a very dangerous pair of wings. Newcomer Schwemberger, on the other hand, should keep the puck away from the Wolves' case as much as possible in defense or set accents in the power play and game structure. Over the coming weeks, this core piece will be expanded into a ready-made structure. In any case, HC Pustertal is looking forward to presenting its loyal fans with a different facet of its ice hockey and at the same time inspiring new supporters.

ICE Regular Season ICE	SP	TV	P
1. Klagenfurt	47	183:101	102
2. Fehervar	46	146:126	89
3. Salzburg	46	142:107	87
4. HCB South Tyrol	46	137:125	76
5. Linz	46	146:116	75
6. Villach	46	155:136	74
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E-Sports: HC Pustertal is breaking new ground

After the successful debut season in the ICEHL, HC Pustertal now wants to rock the digital ice.

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