Raphael Andergassen (left) and HC Pustertal host Linz. © Iwan Foppa

The motto is: Stay tuned!

The race for playoff spots in the ICE Hockey League is entering its crucial phase. HC Pustertal and HC Bozen are counting on home advantage – and renewed energy – on Friday.

15 January 2026

From: fop

The HC Falkensteiner Pustertal The Wolves enter their home game against the Steinbach Black Wings Linz with renewed confidence. Their spectacular home victory against defending champions Salzburg recently gave them a noticeable boost – momentum they now want to maintain in the Intercable Arena to further solidify their position in the direct playoff spots.

However, Linz awaits as an opponent who, although they have struggled with inconsistent performances throughout the season, have recently shown greater stability. The Upper Austrians have collected crucial points against direct rivals in recent weeks, securing a solid starting position in the race for the pre-playoffs.

This is what HCP defender Daniel Glira says before the Linz duel:

Offensively, Linz remains one of the more dangerous teams in the league, but defensively the Black Wings haven't always looked solid. With the recent signing of Yohann Auvitu, the Steel City team has made a targeted move to strengthen their defensive line.

Ferencváros in Bolzano and Bruneck

Also the HCB South Tyrol Alperia Bolzano faces a pivotal match. Thanks to their recent points against Fehérvár, they have drawn level with third-placed Salzburg in the standings. Both teams now have 69 points, although the Austrians have played one more game. Several important matches remain for the Red and Whites before the Olympic break, as they strive for the best possible post-season position.

Bryce Misley and HCB will play at home on Friday, and two days later they will travel to Salzburg.

Ferencváros, currently ninth in the table, visits the Sparkasse Arena – a team embroiled in the battle for a pre-playoff spot. After a weak spell around the turn of the year, the Hungarians have recently found their form again, but suffered a setback in their recent head-to-head match against Linz. Bolzano has won all three previous encounters this season, though some of them were close victories.

Offensively, a lot of responsibility rests on Brady Shaw for Ferencváros, while the league newcomer is showing vulnerabilities, particularly on defense and special teams. Bolzano aims to exploit these weaknesses to take the next important step towards the playoffs. The Hungarians' next opponent, HC Pustertal, operates with the same objective. Ferencváros travels directly to Bruneck for their next league game on Sunday, while Bolzano will be playing in Salzburg at the same time.

The next ICE dates:

Friday, January 16th
Klagenfurter AC – Fehérvár AV (19.15 p.m.)
Villacher SV – EC Salzburg
HC Innsbruck – Graz 99ers
Pioneers Vorarlberg – Vienna Capitals (6:30 p.m.)
HC Pustertal – Black Wings Linz (19.45 p.m.)
HC Bozen – Ferencváros (19.45 p.m.)

Saturday, January 17th
HC Innsbruck – Vienna Capitals (17.30 p.m.)
Villacher SV – Fehérvár AV (19.15 p.m.)
Pioneers Vorarlberg – Graz 99ers (19.30 p.m.)

Sunday, January 18st
HC Pustertal – Ferencváros (16 p.m.)
EC Salzburg – HC Bozen (4:30 pm)
Black Wings Linz – Klagenfurter AC (17.30:XNUMX p.m.)