SV Kaltern aims to take the lead in the playoff final. © Manfred Sinn

Fatigue factor? Pike enter fateful week

On Saturday, SV Kaltern leveled the Italian Hockey League playoff finals with a dramatic penalty shootout victory. Now the Pikes begin their fateful week.

07 April 2025

From: never

Sometimes life can be turned completely upside down – and on the ice, such changes happen much faster than in everyday life. After the first two games of the Italian Hockey League final series against HC Aosta, SV Kaltern, who had won the regular season, were already trailing 0-2. But the dream of a fifth championship title was not (yet) over – the Pikes turned things around and, thanks in part to their away win last Saturday, equalized at 2-2. So, the race for the crown is wide open again.

The decision in this epic clash will be made on Thursday at 20:00 p.m. in Aosta at the earliest. In the most dramatic scenario, Kaltern could even become champions in the final match of the best-of-seven series on Saturday (19:30 p.m.) in front of their home crowd at the Raiffeisen Arena. However, the South Tyroleans certainly don't want to leave it at that; they're looking for a quick decision. The four-time champions could lay the foundation for this in game five, which takes place on Tuesday at 20:30 p.m. in Kaltern, and take the lead for the first time.

The pitfalls of the playoffs: Who gets tired first?

So far, the final series has been dominated by the defenses of both teams. Except for the second match, which Aosta won 2-0, the winner always held the upper hand by only one goal. Few goals were scored, and the attacking lines were sometimes practically unable to cope – the impressive saves by Kaltern goalie Samuel Rohregger last Saturday are the best proof of this.

Both teams have endured exhausting months. © Manfred Sinn

The strain on the players could be a major factor in the final games of the IHL season, as each of the players has played over 50 matches. In addition to the necessary risk-taking on the ice to break through the opposing defense, the Pikes must also win the battle against the onset of fatigue.

IHL Playoff Final – Overview

SV Kaltern – HC Aosta 2:2 (1:2/OT; 0:2; 3:2; 2:1/SO)

game schedule
Match 5: Tuesday, 20:30 p.m. in Kaltern
Match 6: Thursday, 20:00 PM in Aosta
Match 7: Saturday, 19:30 p.m. in Kaltern