Bryce Misley & Co. meet the EC KAC. © Vanna Antonello

With a new development: a long-distance duel between Bolzano and Puster Valley

With two matchdays remaining in the regular season, almost all decisions have been made in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). The last remaining question concerns HCB Südtirol Alperia and HC Falkensteiner Pustertal, with the Foxes holding a significantly better starting position.

February 27, 2026

From: leo

On Wednesday, Shedden's team squandered their first opportunity to secure home-court playoff advantage, losing 3-4 in a penalty shootout to Olimpija Ljubljana. Their next chance comes on Friday when league leaders Klagenfurt visit the Sparkasse Arena (7:45 p.m.). If Daniel Frank and his teammates earn at least a point, fourth place will be theirs. Bolzano can even still dream of third place, which would grant them a playoff pick. However, for that to happen, defending champions Salzburg would have to slip up at home against bottom-of-the-table Innsbruck on Friday.

Ahead of the game against the Red Jackets, the Foxes have some positive news. Defenseman Mark Barberio, who last played on December 5th, is reportedly close to making his comeback. The Canadian has participated in team training in recent days, but a final decision on his participation will be made at short notice, according to HCB. Daniel Mantenuto could also return to the lineup. The Italian-Canadian missed the last game in Ljubljana due to muscular problems. However, Shedden will still have to do without Matt Bradley. The forward should be fit in time for the playoffs, according to sources at the Bolzano clubhouse.

The Red-Whites have certainly proven this season that they are Klagenfurt's equals, having won two out of three encounters. Interestingly, the away team has always prevailed so far. This streak is set to end at the Sparkasse Arena. The league leaders are determined to prevent this, especially since the Red Jackets still have the regular season title at stake. However, their lead over the Graz 99ers is a mere one point.

Pustertal must win

HC Pustertal, on the other hand, faces Olimpija Ljubljana. A victory is essential if the Wolves want to avoid prematurely ruling out a top-four finish. Head coach Jason Jaspers has his full squad available for this crucial game. 48 hours later, the Black and Yellows conclude the regular season with an away game against Villacher SV.

ICE Hockey League:

Friday, February 27th:
Ferencvaros Budapest – Black Wings Linz (6:30 p.m.)
Graz 99ers – Villacher SV
HC Innsbruck – Pioneers Vorarlberg (19.15 p.m.)
Vienna Capitals – Fehervar
HC Pustertal – Olimpija Ljubljana (19.45 p.m.)
HC Bozen – EC KAC

Sunday March 1th:
Black Wings Linz – Graz 99ers (17.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Red Bull Salzburg – HC Innsbruck
Villacher SV – HC Pustertal
EC KAC – Vienna Capitals
Fehervar – Ferencvaros Budapest
Pioneers Vorarlberg – HC Bozen