Michele Marchetti (left) and Daniel Glira in a duel. © Vanna Antonello

Finally derby time again: “We love games like this”

On Friday evening, the South Tyrolean sports world will be looking towards Bruneck, as the first derby of the new season between HC Falkensteiner Pustertal and HCB Südtirol Alperia kicks off at 7:45 p.m. in the Intercable Arena. Even before the first face-off, the players of both teams are excited about their 199th head-to-head clash.

10 October 2025

From: leo

The rivalry between HC Pustertal and HC Bozen electrifies the crowds. The 3.100-capacity Intercable Arena in Bruneck was sold out in no time. No wonder, because the 16th derby since the Wolves joined the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) promises to be as exciting as rarely before. With 18 points, HCB leads the standings, four points behind the Black and Yellows, who also started the season strongly. Bozen striker Michele Marchetti sums it up: "The standings don't matter, because derbies have their own rules. There are no favorites."

A look at the statistics, however, shows that Bolzano traditionally feels at home in Bruneck. Daniel Frank & Co. have won six of their eight games at the HCP's home stadium. However, the Wolves won the last duel in the Pustertal Valley 3-2 after overtime. The winning goal was scored by Mikael Frycklund, whose celebration sparked a brawl. "These are the big games we love," says the Italian-Swede. "Two strong, tough teams are facing off, which is why I expect a great battle. These games are always special for ice hockey in the region."

This is what Raphael Andergassen says:

A high-scoring game is not expected, as the ICEHL's two most defensively stable teams are facing off. With only ten goals conceded in seven matches, the Füchse boast the league's best defense – closely followed by Jason Jaspers' team, which has allowed 14. In goal, Gianluca Vallini has the best save percentage of all goalkeepers at 98,73 percent. However, because the Bolzano native already played between the posts on Wednesday in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) against ERC Ingolstadt, Sam Harvey will likely be trusted by coach Kurt Kleinendorst. It will also be interesting to see how HCP goalie Eddie Pasquale performs, after he got into a heated argument with the Bolzano fans at the end of the last derby.

Bolzano is a power

Where the Foxes have clearly had the edge so far this season is on special teams. Their shorthanded play has thwarted 93,75 percent of their opponents' power plays—a record. At the same time, Dustin Gazley and Co. have converted every third power play. The Wolves' numbers, on the other hand, show room for improvement, with 22,22 percent (power play) and 76,47 percent (penalty killing).

This is what Pascal Brunner says:


"We've put ourselves in a good position in the table and want to move up to second place with a win. The game has been sold out for days. At this point, we also have to thank the fans for their fantastic support," said Luca Zanatta. Bolzano's Cristiano DiGiacinto, who has also been throwing punches in the derbies, used more aggressive language. "We want to show how hard we've worked over the past few weeks and why we're at the top of the table. I'm expecting a war."

One thing is certain: Ice hockey fans in South Tyrol can look forward to the first emotional highlight of the new season. SportNews will accompany the derby from the Intercable Arena with a live ticker.

ICE Hockey League:

Friday, October 10th:
Graz 99ers – Ferencvaros Budapest (6:45 p.m.)
Red Bull Salzburg – Vienna Capitals (19.15 p.m.)
Olimpija Ljubljana – Black Wings Linz
HC Pustertal – HC Bozen (7:45 p.m.)