Francesco Adami scored the goal. © Toblach Icebears

Sensational polar bears and goal-hungry pirates

South Tyrol's teams secured important victories in the Italian Hockey League (IHL) on Saturday evening. HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites pulled off a surprise win against a top team, while HC Eppan really let loose.

21 December 2025

From: leo

Of 17 games played this season, the Toblach Icebears had only won three. Their fourth victory came on Saturday against Valpellice, currently fifth in the standings and embroiled in the battle for a spot in the Italian Cup Final Four. Undeterred, Francesco Adami and his teammates secured a surprising 4-2 away win.

After Cristian Long opened the scoring in the seventh minute, little happened for a long time. It wasn't until 28 seconds before the end of the second period that Patrick Mazzarini equalized. The 20-year-old was also the one who gave Toblach their first lead shortly after the restart. Valpellice remained persistent and Samuel Payra made it 2-2. Anyone who thought the favorites would then prevail was mistaken. With about three minutes remaining, Hector Majul scored the game-winner, before Adami added a late goal into the empty net.

Eppan celebrates a resounding victory

The three points from the Eisbären were a huge help to HC Eppan, as the Pirates, currently in fourth place, now have a four-point lead over the Piedmontese team. Meanwhile, Eppan left no doubt about the outcome against bottom-of-the-table Fiemme, winning 7-3. Jagger Williamson and Leo Messner played a key role in the victory, each scoring two goals.

HC Eppan played brilliantly. © Jan Marc Zublasing

The evening was a bitter one for Falcons Brixen and SV Kaltern. Brixen, the team from the episcopal city, rallied from a 0-2 deficit against runners-up Aosta thanks to goals from Paul Mantinger and Grant Docter, but ultimately lost 2-4 after conceding late goals. Meanwhile, Kaltern suffered their second consecutive defeat, losing 1-3 in Varese. Jonas Oberrauch scored Brixen's opening goal.

Italian Hockey League:

Alleghe-Pergine 4:3
Goals: 0:1 Korkiakoski (5.56), 1:1 Iori (27.00), 2:1 De Val (45.25), 2:2 Meneghini (45.56), 3:2 De Val (48.19), 4:2 De Toni (51.24), 4:3 Korkiakoski (54.14)
Audience: 834

Valdifiemme – HC Eppan 3:7
Goals: 1-0 Brancaglion (12:52), 1-1 Messner (16:02), 1-2 Radin (24:56), 1-3 Steiner (30:15), 1-4 Williamson (34:14), 1-5 Messner (36:05), 1-6 Williamson (40:49), 1-7 Steiner (48:59), 2-7 De Baldo (50:02), 3-7 Goldner (59:09)
Audience: 340

Fassa Falcons – Feltre 2:3
Goals: 1:0 Mikhnov (10.12), 1:1 Cortese (14.02), 1:2 Marcazzan (15.18), 1:3 Foltin (50.18), 2:3 Salo (53.27)
Audience: 580

Valpellice – HC 3 Zinnen Dolomites 2:4
Goals: 1:0 Long (6.03), 1:1 Mazzarini (39.32), 1:2 Mazzarini (41.14), 2:2 Payra (49.58), 2:3 Majul (56.47), 2:4 Adami (59.11)
Audience: 1126

Falcons Brixen – HC Aosta 2:4
Goals: 0:1 Plouffe-dube (12.48), 0:2 Nardella (18.16), 1:2 Mantinger (27.32), 2:2 Docter (48.55), 2:3 Nardella (54.05), 2:4 Verza (59.10)
Audience: 211

Varese – SV Kaltern 3-1
Goals: 0:1 Jonas Oberrauch (27.25), 1:1 Tilaro (28.23), 2:1 Schina (32.03), 3:1 Bastille (59.16)
Audience: 990

The table