The derby is always hotly contested. © HCB/Vanna Antonello

Poll | Who will win the South Tyrol derby?

On Sunday, the hotly anticipated duel between HCB Südtirol Alperia and HC Pustertal will take place in the state capital. Two teams, one question: who will take the crown in South Tyrolean ice hockey? Vote!

05 January 2025

From: do

It's that time again: the most prestigious duel in South Tyrolean ice hockey is just around the corner. On Sunday at 18 p.m., HC Bozen and HC Pustertal will meet in the state capital and will rock the Sparkasse Arena. But who will secure the victory and thus the unofficial title of South Tyrol's best ice hockey team?

Predictions are very difficult. Different rules often apply to derbies: games against arch rivals often thwart the logic of form curves and ignore table positions. A look at these reveals, however, that the Bozen team are clear favorites on Sunday. After 33 games, the Füchse are in second place in the table with 68 points, close behind leaders Fehérvár AV19. HC Pustertal, on the other hand, is in 9th place and is fighting for the pre-playoff places.

Dangerous Wolves

But derbies are rarely as clear-cut as they appear on paper. The Wolves travel to the "fox den" with plenty of self-confidence. After three wins in a row and a small high, they are more dangerous than ever. The Bozen team, on the other hand, have to get their act together after their recent 1:3 defeat against Vorarlberg. Nevertheless: The two derbies so far this season have both gone to HCB Südtirol (5:2 and 4:2).

The Sparkasse Arena will shake. © HCB/Vanna Antonello

One thing is certain: the South Tyrolean derby will once again be an absolute spectacle, which will be played in the guaranteed sold-out Sparkasse Arena in front of around 7.000 roaring fans. The hosts' captain was optimistic: "Every derby is something very special, especially when it takes place at home. I think the place will be full, and that will of course create a fantastic atmosphere."


HC Bozen also announced that 11 tickets will still be available for sale at the box office on Sunday between 13 a.m. and 280 p.m. Otherwise, the Sparkasse Arena is completely sold out.


The table