HCB CEO Dieter Knoll is extremely busy in his office right now. © DLife

HCB boss makes his point clear: "There is only one preferred opponent"

In the deserted Bolzano ice hockey arena, there's a calm before the storm. Where exhilarating playoff parties are expected to take place next week, work is currently underway behind the scenes on HC Bolzano's title dreams.

March 04, 2026

HCB Südtirol Alperia has experienced a rollercoaster ride over the past few months, but ultimately achieved their goal with a fourth-place finish. If the Foxes have their way, the crowning achievement awaits – namely, a spectacular final sprint in the title race. "From now on, it all comes down to this," says Dieter Knoll.

The sporting director and managing director, who holds both positions, has high hopes for HC Bozen this season. "We have tremendous quality in the squad, which was evident at times during the regular season. From now on, that needs to be demonstrated in every game. I expect the players to show character," Knoll stated unequivocally.

Two weeks of state of emergency?

Quality and character will also be needed to clear the first playoff hurdle. As the fourth-place finisher in the regular season, Bolzano must face whichever opponent is left over after the top three teams have selected. Therefore, the Foxes are likely to face either fifth-place HC Pustertal or sixth-place Olimpija Ljubljana, featuring star players TJ Brennan and Zach Boychuk, starting Tuesday. The opponent will be determined after the final pre-playoff game on Friday or Sunday.

"The players will receive a bonus for reaching the semi-finals." HCB managing director Dieter Knoll

Even before the draw, Knoll is certain: "We only have one preferred opponent, HC Pustertal." However, the HCB boss adds: "Please don't misunderstand me: I think all the teams in the top six are roughly equal in strength. From a sporting perspective, every matchup is tough. My focus here is on the fans, on ice hockey, and on packed arenas. A derby in the quarterfinals would mean: two weeks of unbridled excitement in South Tyrol!"

Enrico Miglioranzi and Co. have eliminated Ljubljana twice in four games this season, and have three wins against Pustertal.

Knoll's words resonate deeply with the fans of the white-and-red team. After all, what could be better than the first-ever ICE playoff clash between these two arch-rivals? "And we would certainly have a South Tyrolean team in the semifinals," said the Bolzano boss.

Speaking of the semifinals: Has Knoll perhaps announced a special bonus for the playoffs? "No! It's all written in black and white in the contracts: The players receive a fixed bonus for reaching the semifinals. There's no renegotiation on that." However, the HCB boss can imagine giving one of his legendary locker room speeches as an extra motivational boost. "I'll decide that, if at all, but it will be spontaneously before the games. It's a gut feeling."

Ticket sales start on Monday

Spontaneity is also the watchword for Bolzano fans when it comes to buying tickets. Tickets for the first home game on Tuesday can only be purchased from Monday onwards at the ticket booths on Galvanistraße and online via the club's website. Prices will be slightly higher compared to the regular season, as has been the case in the past. However, this is unlikely to dampen the enthusiasm for Bolzano's ice hockey – regardless of whether their desired opponent awaits them in the quarterfinals next week or not.



The final standings of the ICE: