Puster Valley report card: Two strikers stand out

Raphael Andergassen 7 He's just finished his worst season in the ICEHL with eight points. So what? Reducing the captain to just his stats would be a mistake: indispensable on the penalty kill, valuable at the face-off circle, and an immeasurable quiet leader. He secured the Wolves' place in the semifinals with one of his two goals this season.

Cole Bardreau 9 The Energizer Bunny with endless reserves of energy. He combines speed and technical skill like no other player. It's no surprise he once played in the NHL. He was used in every aspect of the game because he wasn't afraid of the dirty work and physical exertion. His only weakness: his shooting accuracy in the finals.

Click here for the first part of the report card.

Henry Bowlby 9 His runs caused murmurs in the stands and furrowed brows among the opposing fans. Less consistent than Bardreau, but even more unpredictable in his moments of brilliance. No wonder he led the team in scoring with 51 points. Tempting offers will be plentiful this summer – even if he did run out of steam a bit in the final.

Mikael Frycklund was unable to replicate his performance from last season.

Mikael Frycklund 6 Age is taking its toll on the soon-to-be 33-year-old fan favorite from the far north. Speed was never his strong suit, but his physical decline is undeniable. A consequence of the ankle injury he suffered at the last World Championship? Quite possibly. He slowed down his linemates and at times seemed obsessed with the puck. At least the Italian-Swede improved in the playoffs.

Ivan Deluca 6 Jaspers isn't a fan of the Sterzing native, who was pushed out of the lineup by the younger and more agile Lobis. However, injuries to higher-ranked forwards played into his hands; otherwise, his playing time would likely have been even lower. He fulfilled his expected duties on the fourth line with his physical presence.

Matthias Mantinger 7 Far more than just a follower. He scored eight goals, despite playing exclusively on the fourth line. He was certainly capable of a more significant role. Still incredibly agile, a rock on the penalty kill, and relentless in the forecheck. A key figure in the locker room as well. When things weren't going well, he spoke his mind.

A leader: Matthias Mantinger

Alex Ierullo 6,5 A fair-weather player through and through. He stood out offensively, especially on the power play (his passing and scoring instinct are excellent), but disappeared when it mattered most. Jaspers demoted the Italian-Canadian to the 13th healthy forward in the playoffs after he recovered from injury. Not a championship-winning player, and defensively nonexistent.

JC Lipon 5,5 The same age as Bardreau, also with NHL experience – and yet a huge disappointment. His physicality and his boxing matches, which earned him some sympathy, couldn't mask his technical shortcomings. A mere eight goals (none in the playoffs) is a damning indictment. Another problem: his lack of speed.

Alan Lobis 8 He needed no adjustment period. The way the player from Kaltern adapted to the increased level of play was exceptional. Fearless, self-confident, tactically astute – THE discovery of the HCP season. The reward: a three-year contract. One of the most reliable forwards, who blossomed even further in the playoffs. His injury before the final was a real blow.

Tommy Purdeller 8,5 The most elegant player in the HCP jersey. His head is always up, searching for a better-positioned teammate. But this quality isn't always an advantage. A little more self-centeredness—and he'd be unstoppable. Because his shot possesses rare precision. This talented player, this iconic figure, has long since become a star.

Tommy Purdeller had a strong season

Austin Rueschhoff 7 Sometimes dominant, sometimes invisible. Making sense of his season is difficult. He has the talent to play at a higher level, but occasionally he's his own worst enemy. Despite his imposing stature, his technical ability was the dominant factor. The giant needs to improve, especially in terms of body language.

Nick Saracino 6,5 He benefited greatly from Bowlby and Bardreau at the start of the season. When Jaspers split that line, his performance faded. After his injury near the end of the regular season, he became a mere spectator. Zero goals in 13 playoff games speak volumes. Valuable as a net-front player, but otherwise ill-suited to HCP's fast-paced style of play.

An extremely important player: Rok Ticar

Rok Ticar 8 The playmaker and strategist who rediscovered his lost scoring touch. He opened the door to the final with his overtime goal against Ljubljana. He made his teammates better, compensated for his lack of speed with quick thinking, covered for mistakes, and made no wrong decisions. His extension is a must – despite his advancing age.

Not rated: Fabian Gschliesser, Luciano Zandegiacomo.

	SP	TV	P
1. Ilves Tampere	6	24:7	18
2. KalPa Kuopio	6	24:8	17
3. Frölunda Gothenburg	6	21:11	15
4. Sparta Prague	6	18:9	14
5. Lukko Rauma	6	21:14	13
6. ERC Ingolstadt	6	23:15	12
View all

	SP	TV	P
1. Graz99ers	48	163:102	102
2. EC Klagenfurt	48	172:115	101
3. EC Salzburg	48	163:104	93
4. HCB South Tyrol	48	172:128	90
5. HC Pustertal	48	158:129	87
6. Olimpija Ljubljana	48	177:137	85
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Puster Valley report card: Two strikers stand out

The first part of the comprehensive HC Pustertal report focused on the coach, goalkeeper, and defenders. Now, the spotlight shifts to the forwards, whose ratings range from two top marks to a single unsatisfactory performance.

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