The newly formed SV Kaltern is fighting for its first title of the season. © Gregor Khuen Belasi

Kaltern challenges Asiago: Pike dream of the Supercup

The first title of the new ice hockey season will be awarded on Saturday evening – and underdog Kaltern wants to cause a surprise.

September 11, 2026

From: pm/fop

Am Saturday at 20.30 p.m The Pike will face Italian champions Asiago at the newly renovated Odegar Stadium. For cup winners Kaltern, this is only their second appearance in the Super Cup, following their 2019 campaign.

The roles are clearly defined: Asiago enters the match as the favorite, while Kaltern travels to Veneto as an ambitious challenger. However, the team under new coach MacGregor Sharp has already shown in preseason that they are a force to be reckoned with. For example, they defeated AlpsHL champion Gröden 4-3 in overtime, followed by an impressive 9-3 victory against Fiemme.

Kaltern with strong test match performances

Kaltern with new faces and a wealth of experience
After two consecutive championships and winning the Coppa Italia, the IHL dominators have strategically strengthened their roster over the summer. Among the imports, Joonas Alanne, who scored the game-winning goal in last year's final against Aosta, remains. Joining him is the 35-year-old Finn Tuukka Rajamäki, who brings a wealth of experience.

The reinforcements from South Tyrol are particularly interesting. Raphael Andergassen has returned to Kaltern after most recently leading HC Pustertal as captain to the ICE Hockey League final. He is joined by Alexander Sullmann from the Unterland Cavaliers and Kevin Fink from the Rittner Buam. Raphael Felderer is also back after an injury-related absence.

Asiago prepares for its first game of the season at the Odegar. © Asiago Hockey

Kaltern will continue to rely on Samuel Rohregger in goal, while captain Michael Sölva and Florian Massar will lead the defense. Luca De Donà, Moritz Selva, Maximilian Sölva, and Jonas Oberrauch are among those expected to provide attacking threat.

Kaltern enters the match against Asiago with confidence. While the hosts have the home advantage and are aiming for their seventh Supercup title, Kaltern can play without much pressure. Perhaps they can pull off a major upset on Saturday.