David Galassiti secured the derby victory for Kalterner Hechten against HC Eppan. © Max Pattis

Pike and falcons can call themselves derby winners

While many eyes are on the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, the action is also heating up in the domestic Italian Hockey League (IHL). On Thursday evening, two derbies were on the schedule from a South Tyrolean perspective.

February 12, 2026

From: mv

SV Kaltern rothoblass maintains its dominance in the Überetsch region. In their fourth derby of the season against HC Eppan ANet, the Pike secured their third victory. At the Raiffeisen Arena in Altenburg, Kaltern celebrated a 2-0 home win on the seventh matchday of the Master Round.

The spectators didn't see many goals in the fourth derby of this season – just two in total. Both goals were scored by David Galassiti, who thus secured Kaltern's seventh victory in seven Master Round games. With this derby win, the Pike team has secured first place in the standings. The Pirates, on the other hand, are still fighting for fourth place and the home-ice advantage that comes with it in the playoffs.

Falcons remain on course for the playoffs

In the Qualification Round on Thursday, HC Falcons Brixen faced HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites. The home team celebrated a comfortable 4-1 victory and can continue to dream of a playoff spot. For Toblach, however, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious: While playoff qualification is still mathematically possible, it would require a major miracle.

Marco Niccolai sealed the 4-1 victory for the Falcons Brixen. © Max Pattis

Grant Docter put the Falcons ahead after less than six minutes. Nicholas Pezzetta extended the lead before the first intermission. Pais De Gabriel Enricomatteo narrowed the gap to 1-2 on the power play, but Gabriel Vinatzer restored the two-goal advantage before the end of the second period. Marco Niccolai sealed the 4-1 victory shortly before the final buzzer.

IHL, Master Round, 7st matchday

SV Kaltern – HC Eppan 2:0
Goals: 1:0 Galassiti (3.56), 2:0 Galassiti (39.09)

HC Alleghe – HC Pergine 3:6
Goals: 0:1 Sullmann (0.13), 1:1 Huhtela (12.25), 1:2 Cristellon (12.41), 1:3 Meneghini (15.35), 2:3 De Toni (23.31), 2:4 Meneghini (24.29), 2:5 Andreotti (34.30), 3:5 Isiguzo (50.27), 3:6 Meneghini (53.16)

Table

IHL, Qualification Round, Matchday 7

HC Falcons Brixen – HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites 4:1
Goals: 1:0 Docter (5.40), 2:0 Pezzetta (17.06), 2:1 Enricomatteo (35.47), 3:1 Vinatzer (39.54), 4:1 Niccolai (58.39)

Valpellice – Fiemme 4:2
Goals: 0:1 Karpenko (9.53), 1:1 Vuorio (33.50), 2:1 Vaccarino (34.16), 3:1 Salvai (44.37), 3:2 Moberg (45.45), 4:2 Long (49.59)

HC Fassa – HC Feltre 3:6
Goals: 1:0 Salo (3.02), 1:1 Sysak (6.06), 2:1 Cassan (29.25), 3:1 Deluca (34.26), 3:2 Fantinel (44.00), 3:3 Matteo Dall'Agnol (53.13), 3:4 Wong (54.39), 3:5 Broch (55.50), 3:6 Lorenzo Dall'Agnol (59.07)

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