HC Bozen and HC Pustertal face another big duel. © HCB/Manfred Mair

South Tyrol gripped by derby fever: Yesterday no longer matters.

Saturday evening is the big day: HC Pustertal hosts HC Bozen for the third derby of the season. The two clubs are in very different emotional states – but in this game, anything can happen.

02 January 2026

From: never

Saturday evening, Bruneck, Intercable Arena – it's derby time again. Starting at 7:45 p.m., the puck will be flying across the Puster Valley ice, and in three hard-fought periods (and perhaps a few more), the question will be answered: Who has the upper hand in South Tyrolean ice hockey? HC Bolzano and HC Pustertal have already faced each other twice this season, with each team celebrating a victory. The Foxes' 9-1 rout in their last encounter at the Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano is still fresh in everyone's minds. But that's not the only reason HCP is looking for redemption in the derby.

"We absolutely need an answer tomorrow," said striker Tommy Purdeller, looking ahead. the recent defeat against the Pioneers Vorarlberg Back again. The Wolves have now lost two games in a row in the ICE Hockey League, and in their last nine games, they've even left the ice as losers in seven instances. "Forget it, move on – we want to show everyone that we're a top team in this league," Purdeller declared, setting the tone.

In the standings, HC Pustertal, boasting the best offense with 113 goals (behind Olimpija Ljubljana (129) and EC-KAC (116), sits in sixth place with 57 points. Three points ahead, and thus within striking distance, HC Bozen remains in fourth place. Unlike their arch-rivals, the Foxes are enjoying a winning streak, having started the new year with... a narrow overtime victory over league leaders Klagenfurt successful. Furthermore, four consecutive wins give HCB a good dose of self-confidence.

The derby has its own rules.

But a derby is a derby – and so different rules apply at the Intercable Arena on Saturday. "The derby has always been a game with its own history," explained HCB forward Michele Marchetti. "We're playing in their arena, it will be sold out, and we know what kind of atmosphere to expect."

Emotions run high in the derby. © HC Pustertal/Markus Ranalter

What will be crucial in this special duel? "We have to try to stick to our game plan and not let ourselves be influenced by external factors," Marchetti demanded a calm approach from his team. However, that's much easier said than done. "The emotions are much greater than in the other matches. It requires more concentration; there's a lot at stake for everyone involved. You simply want to show your best side," the 31-year-old emphasized.

ICE Hockey League – Saturday's games

Black Wings Linz – EC Villach (4:30 p.m.)
HC Innsbruck – EC Klagenfurt (5:30 pm)
Olimpija Ljubljana – Graz99ers (18.00 p.m.)
Ferencvárosi – Fehérvár AV19 (18.30 p.m.)
EC Red Bull Salzburg – Vienna Capitals (19.15:XNUMX p.m.)
HC Pustertal – HC Bozen (7:45 p.m.)