Foxes versus Wolves: 6 theses on the ice hockey rivalry

Wolves remain the derby kings Last season the HCP won three of the four direct duels. Can this happen again? We say yes. Compared to the Foxes – although the big names are missing – the Wolves have a more balanced, homogeneous and, last but not least, broader squad. The youthful carefree attitude (Armin Hofer is the only actor over 30) will once again put the HCB's experience and class in its place. This means: The black and yellow win three of the four derbies. The 6:0 in the last test match is an indication of this.

Known for spectacular performances: Tomas Sholl © Vanna Antonello

Sholl and Smith close down As interesting as the new signings in attack and defense are, the best-staffed department at HC Pustertal remains the goalkeeper position. Tomas Sholl, who was outstanding last year but exhausted in the playoffs, was given a goalie in the summer of Jacob Smith who is much more than just a number 2. The 27-year-old has proven this in recent years - whether in the AlpsHL or the ICEHL - and also in test games. Together, the two left-handed catchers form a goalkeeper team that is unrivaled in the league - and will lead the HCP to the semi-finals. It may sound daring, but it is an entirely achievable goal. Mr. Catenacci, what now? Daniel Catenacci is an outstanding ice hockey player who has all the qualities to make a lasting difference in a league like the ICEHL. He is fast, technically skilled and has an excellent shot. And yet the 29-year-old has been more of a problem child than a performer at HC Bozen in recent seasons. The reason? His mental fragility. A change of scenery will certainly be good for the center, but questions remain about its performance. Is he in control of himself to the point where his undisputed ability is the main reason why he's making headlines? Or are his emotions getting the better of him and preventing him from performing at his best? We fear that the latter will happen. Foxes as a surprise bag The team underwent more changes in the summer than it had in years. HCB boss Dieter Knoll made a radical cut after the last, bitter season. Does it bear fruit? Just wait and see. There are very interesting personalities in the squad – like Christian Thomas. However, whether individuals can work together as a unit is another question. Coach Glen Hanlon is required here. If the Canadian manages to get the players behind him, the HCB fans can have high hopes. If the opposite is the case, there is a risk of another epidemic season - including personnel changes during the season. The Foxes will reach the quarter-finals one way or another. The quality is too high for that.

Mitch Hults is supposed to animate the HCB's offensive. © Vanna Antonello

Hults, Hults, Hults The eyes of HCB fans are inevitably focused on the well-known new purchases: Above all, Christian Thomas, Bolzano's most prominent newcomer, is the great hope. However, in our opinion, someone else will take on the leadership role: namely Mitch Hults. The 1,88 meter tall and 94 kilogram center is not just a physical figure. The American also brings a great understanding of the game, technical sophistication and, last but not least, a hammer shot. In short: Hults is an all-round player who – in a positive sense – tips the scales.

Bolzano's open goalie questions The Achilles heel of the HCB is the defensive network. You don't have to be an expert to make this statement. However, this group includes not only the defenders, but above all the goalies. The most important position in the ice hockey game was occupied by Knoll with Andreas Bernard and Samuel Harvey. The former was actually hired as a backup, but is now suddenly expected to play a large part of the games. Bernard can look back on an impressive career and undoubtedly has the potential to lead the HCB as number 1, but he may already be past his peak. Harvey's shortcoming, however, is the lack of experience to deliver consistently week after week. Given this, will Knoll step up its game again? We think not so quickly. It remains to be seen whether the tandem is good enough to be at the top.

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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Foxes versus Wolves: 6 theses on the ice hockey rivalry

The new season in the ICE Hockey League is about to begin. From a South Tyrolean perspective, the rivalry between HCB Südtirol Alperia and HC Pustertal naturally receives undivided attention. We have put forward six daring theses.

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