HCB is aiming for a win in their last game before Christmas. © Vanna Antonello

HCB wants to give themselves a present.

After the victory against Linz, HCB Südtirol Alperia is preparing for the last game before Christmas: On Saturday evening at 19:45 pm, the Foxes will host the Vienna Capitals in the Sparkasse Arena.

20 December 2025

From: pm/sn

This is already the third direct encounter between the two teams within just 20 days: On November 30th, Bolzano prevailed 2-0 in front of their home crowd, while on December 5th, the Austrians took revenge with a 4-1 victory in the STEFFL Arena.

Vienna also started the second half with a win, defeating Ferencváros 4-3. The Capitals are fighting for a spot in the pre-playoffs, currently three points away, and have strengthened their roster with Canadian Scott Kosmachuk, who made his debut on Wednesday evening. Linden Vey remains the top scorer with 6 goals and 17 assists, but Carter Souch (10 goals), as well as former Bolzano players Mitch and Cole Hults and Simon Bourque, are also in contention.

Vienna have suffered only one defeat in their last three matches – a hard-fought 2-4 loss against Salzburg. The Austrians are thus trying to find the right balance in a difficult season that previously led to the dismissal of Fleming and the appointment of Kevin Constantine as head coach.

Vallini and Barberio injured

HCB coach Shedden will have to do without the injured Vallini and Barberio. New signing Christopher Gibson also made his first appearance on the ice yesterday: whether the Finnish goalie will already be used as Harvey's backup or whether the young Laurin Foppa from the lowlands will continue to be preferred remains to be seen.

The Vienna Capitals remain in South Tyrol and will face HCP tomorrow. HCP celebrated a victory against Ljubljana yesterday. (see own report).

ICEHL, the weekend's games

Saturday
HCB Südtirol – Wien (7:45 pm)

Sunday
Salzburg – Graz (15 p.m.)
Fehervar – Linz (16:XNUMX p.m.)
Vorarlberg – Ljubljana (16 p.m.)
Ferencvarosi – Klagenfurt (17 p.m.)
Innsbruck – Villach (17.30 p.m.)
HC Pustertal – Vienna (18 p.m.)