On St. Stephen's Day, the HCP will face the VSV. © Rene Krammer

Pustertal challenges the league's high-flyers

Just in time for the holidays, the South Tyrolean ice hockey teams are creating excitement in the ICE Hockey League. While HC Pustertal is improving its performance to fight for the pre-playoff spots, HCB Südtirol wants to defend its lead in the table.

25 December 2024

From: do

After eight defeats in a row, HC Pustertal has emerged from its temporary hibernation just in time for Christmas. In the last three games, the “Wolves” have picked up an impressive seven out of nine possible points, and most recently even the top team Fehérvár suffered a defeat against the South Tyroleans. This upward trend in form comes at just the right time for HCP to secure a good starting position in the race for the pre-playoff places.

The next challenge is already waiting: On Boxing Day at 17.30 p.m., HC Pustertal will face Villacher SV away. The "Eagles" will hardly be easy prey in the Carinthian town hall, as VSV is currently one of the hottest teams in the league. After a bumpy start to the season, the Carinthians have developed into a top team and are currently on an impressive wave of success with nine wins in a row.

Pustertal wants to stop the Villach people from soaring. © Rene Krammer

The VSV will welcome the “Wolves” on Thursday with great confidence. But the team has already proven this season that the HCP is capable of defeating the high-flyer from Villach: In October, the Black and Yellows celebrated a 6:4 victory. The Eagles, however, won the second meeting in November 3:2. One thing is clear: when two teams on an upward trend meet, it is likely to be a heated affair - even in the snowy last week of December.

HCB wants to defend its lead in the table

Meanwhile, the HCB Südtirol had to go into the Christmas holidays with a 2:3 defeat against the Vienna Capitals. Nevertheless, the Füchse went into the Christmas break as league leaders and want to defend this top position until the turn of the year. Dieter Knoll, sports director and managing director of the HCB, was SportNews interview pleased about the league lead: "It means something to me, even if it is only a snapshot. It shows that we have put together a strong team and that the coaches are doing an excellent job."

Bozen meets Klagenfurt. © Vanna Antonello

For the “Foxes”, however, it will only be in the playoffs that the final decision will be made as to whether the team can live up to its expectations. A possible opponent in the knockout round is scheduled for Thursday evening at 19.45:4 p.m.: KAC will be playing in the Sparkasse Arena. The club from Klagenfurt is currently fifth in the table and is also in strong form with six wins from the last seven games. Nevertheless, the favorites clearly go to HCB, who have won both of their previous duels this season (3:7 and 2:XNUMX).

ICE Hockey League, Thursday

Black Wings Linz – Fehervar AV19 (17:30 p.m.)
EC VSV – HC Pustertal
HK Olimpija – Asiago Hockey (18 p.m.)
Pioneers Vorarlberg – HC Innsbruck
Graz 99ers – EC Red Bull Salzburg (18.30:XNUMX p.m.)
HCB Südtirol – EC KAC (19.45 pm)