Raphael Andergassen & Co. had to let Villach go first. © Rene Krammer

These eagles are a size too big for Pustertal

For the first time since joining the ICE Hockey League, Villacher SV has won ten games in a row. HC Pustertal tried to put an end to this series by any means possible on Boxing Day, but ultimately there was no way to beat the Carinthians.

26 December 2024

From: leo

Where does HC Pustertal stand? It's difficult to answer this question. Strong performances - like the 7:2 win in Fehervar just under a week ago - alternate with mixed performances. Sometimes the fluctuations in the games are very big. Like on Thursday, when the Wolves started furiously, then slowed down considerably, only to turn the engine up again in the last third. But the comeback came too late, because Villach had already built up a comfortable lead after two periods - 1:4 after 60 minutes.

Around 50 HCP fans made the trip to Carinthia to cheer on Jason Jaspers' team. They were able to cheer for the first time after just 16 seconds when Tommy Purdeller hit the target. Curiously, last week the 20-year-old also scored after just 16 seconds in Fehervar. This time, however, the Wolves missed the chance to extend their lead. Instead, the strong Eagles found their way into the game more and more and turned the result on its head in the first period. A weak second third from HCP allowed the lead to grow to 4:1. With their backs against the wall, Raphael Andergassen & Co. became more active in the last 20 minutes. However, Villach's home victory was never in danger.

Jaspers made one change compared to the Fehervar game: Brett Findlay took a seat in the stands and brought Josh Wesley back into the lineup. Without the Canadian, the Wolves' offense was toothless and lacked wit. At the same time, Wesley's inclusion did not have a positive effect on the defense. What must be said, however, is that Austin Osmanski is still the biggest uncertainty factor in the HCP defense. In the 1:4, for example, he was outmaneuvered by Elias Wallenta in every way possible.

The Wolves are now increasingly unlikely to make it into the top 6 due to the defeat. Pustertal now has to secure its place in the top 10. An important game is coming up on Saturday, as Olimpija Ljubljana, a direct opponent, will be visiting the Intercable Arena (19.45 p.m.). Bolzano also suffered a defeat on Boxing Day.

Villacher SV – HC Pustertal 4:1

VSV: Lamoreux (Swette): Lindner-Vallant, Katic-MacPherson, Wall-Holway, Uschan; Rebernig-Hancock-Hughes, Scherbak-Pearson-van Nes, Wallenta-Maxa-Lanzinger, Tschurnig-Coatta-Richter, Prodinger.
coach: Tuomie

HCP: Pasquale (Bernard): Andersen-Osmanski, Svedberg-Bouramman, Glira-Wesley, Althuber; Petan-Frycklund-Akeson, Coulter-Lacroix-Purdeller, Conci-Andergassen-Mantinger, Deluca-Traversa-Gschliesser.
coach: Jasper

Gates: 0:1 Purdeller (00.16), 1:1 Rebernig (15.42), 2:1 van Nes (17.45), 3:1 Hancock (33.15), 4:1 Wallenta (35.51)

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