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Sam Harvey was the match-winner for HC Bozen in Ljubljana. © Filip Barbalic
With luck and Harvey: Bolzano strikes back
After an overtime loss at home in the opening game of their playoff quarterfinal series, HCB Südtirol Alperia had to travel to Ljubljana on Thursday evening. In the Hala Tivoli arena, the Bolzano team struck back – albeit somewhat fortuitously.
March 12, 2026
From: cst
Lucky, cunning, or even undeserved? It doesn't matter! HC Bozen won 2-1 in Ljubljana, leveling their quarterfinal series against Olimpija Ljubljana. However, it's also a fact that the South Tyrolean team will have to step up their game in the upcoming matches – because in front of around 3.800 spectators in the Slovenian capital, only a few HCB players managed to shine.
A strong performance from Sam Harvey (who boasts a top save percentage of 97,7%), efficiency in front of the net, and a good dose of luck. That sums up HC Bozen's second playoff quarterfinal game against Ljubljana.
Dustin Gazley & Co. fought their way to victory. © Filip Barbalic
The Foxes secured a victory thanks to goals from Brad McClure (24th minute) and Max Gildon (54th minute), restoring home-ice advantage to Bolzano. Part three of the playoff spectacle against the Slovenians takes place on Saturday at the Sparkasse Arena.
The key scenes of the game
| Dragon Strong | Ljubljana started like a house on fire in their home arena, Hala Tivoli. The Green Dragons completely pinned HCB in the opening minutes. But Harvey allowed nothing through. The South Tyroleans showed their class, especially on the power play, but also without success. |
| One-timer | Boychuk puts Ljubljana in the lead (14th minute). Meyer finds the former NHL and KHL star in the slot, and the Canadian scores a beautiful one-timer to give his team the lead. HCB defenseman Samuelsson didn't look good in the lead-up to the goal. |
| Top-Assist | After Harvey made a superb save against former Bolzano player Petan (22nd minute), HCB equalized. Schneider provided an excellent assist for McClure, who was able to tap the puck in at the far post (25th minute). Harvey and Ljubljana goalie Tokarski – who made a brilliant save against Misley – then distinguished themselves with some outstanding saves. |
| Lucky Punch | After HCB grew stronger in the second period, the Slovenians regained control in the final. Gregorc, Boychuk, and Drozg tried everything, but Harvey proved unbeatable. Instead, HCB scored: McClure passed to Gildon, who fired the puck into the net to make it 1-2 (54th minute). The Dragons responded with furious attacks, but it was all for naught. |
HC Pustertal caused another upset in their match against Salzburg on Thursday in Bruneck. Wolves defeated the reigning champions 2-1. and are therefore leading the series 2:0.
Olimpija Ljubljana – HCB Südtirol Alperia 1:2
OLL: Tokarski (Kolin); Cosic-Terrence, McNeill-Halbert, MacWilliam-Gregorc, Crnovic-Bukovec; Meyer-Boychuk-Drozg, Sabolic-Petan-Mahkovec, Polei-Quince-Simsic, Pance-Bericic-Kapel.coach: Ben Cooper
HSBC: Harvey (Vallini); Gildon-Seed, Samuelsson-Valentine, Barberio-DiPerna; Schneider-Bradley-McClure, Pollock-Gersich-Gazley, DiGiacinto-Mantenuto-Gennaro; Frigo Misley Frank.
coach: Doug Shedden
Gates: 1-0 Boychuk (13.40), 1-1 McClure (23.54), 1-2 Gildon (53.32)
Viewers: 3.765
ICE Hockey League: Quarterfinals, Game 2
Villacher SV – Graz 99ers 1:5Goals: 0-1 Huber (41:01), 0-2 Harnisch (42:13), 0-3 Currie (54:15), 1-3 Rebernig (56:24), 1-4 Currie (58:34), 1-5 Lippitsch (59:39)
Audience: 3.107
Score in the series: 0:2
HC Pustertal – RB Salzburg 2:1
Goals: 0:1 St-Denis (11.02), 1:1 Bowlby (13.43), 2:1 Glira (22.55)
Audience: 3.104
Score in the series: 2:0
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