Fabian Gschliesser and Tommy Purdeller had a special experience.

Skis instead of cocktails: Two South Tyroleans in summer action

A leisurely afternoon by the lake, a day of hiking in the mountains, a barbecue with friends. These are summer activities that suggest one thing: the ice hockey season is still a long way off. Yet South Tyrolean skaters are already gliding across the ice as part of a revolutionary concept.

July 02, 2025

With the Italian national team's promotion to the top division, the ice hockey season in this country ended. It starts again on August 29th, when HC Bozen plays its first competitive game in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). The domestic championships then kick off in mid-September. Fabian Gschliesser and Tommy Purdeller, who are under contract with HC Pustertal, won't be bored in the meantime. They are the only two South Tyroleans competing in the Sunshine Hockey League.

The founders of the "first summer league in Europe" are Mark Kompain and Neal Unterluggauer, two former AlpsHL players who are now dedicated to the further development of their beloved sport. Eight teams with top-class players (including NHL pro Marco Kasper and Salzburg stars Peter Schneider and Benjamin Nissner) participate in the competition.

Tommy Purdeller also didn't miss this opportunity. © Emma Schenk / HC Pustertal

The rules are somewhat adapted to the season. Two periods of 20 minutes each are played, with four players per team on the ice, body checks are not allowed, and a penalty for a shorthanded goal is canceled. Furthermore, there is a so-called "hot minute" per period, in which goals count double. Gschliesser, who plays alongside Purdeller for the Liwo Druck Lightning, was in Ferlach for the first time last Friday and SportNews described his impressions.


You played your first game last week, how was it?

"I never would have thought it could be so intense. Even though it's not a real league, everything is highly professional. The referees are from the ICE Hockey League, a physiotherapist is available to the players, and there are many fans in the rink in Ferlach. In general, everyone in and around the ice rink is very competent and helpful."


How were the players invited to this event?

"For me, it came about through my agent, Gerhard Unterluggauer, Neal's father. We don't earn anything and have to pay for our own travel. The league is financed by each team having its own sponsor, which appears on their jerseys. We didn't have to ask the clubs for permission because our contracts don't start until August. There's no physical contact, but you still want to win—even if the fun factor takes priority."

Fabian Gschliesser shares his experiences. © Markus Ranalter

What impressions did you gain from your first time on the ice?

"It was my first time back on the ice since the end of the playoffs. For Tommy, it was his first game since the World Cup. It went surprisingly well, especially since the first practice is always a bit difficult and we only had two lines. The rules are very cool. When the 'hot minute' starts, for example, the music plays loudly. Every player on the ice gives it a little extra gas and is desperate to score a goal."


Will you be going out this summer?

"That's a good question. The three-and-a-half to four-hour journey to Ferlach is already quite long. Overall, though, it would be cool. It's the first edition, but I can well imagine the Sunshine Hockey League continuing in the coming years."