Series A2: The hunt for frontrunner Eppan begins again

HC Eppan Sarah After the most recent league game against Pergine was not played, the Pirates want to continue their hunt for success with full reserves of strength. Since Sunday's encounter was scored 5-0 for Eppan, the Überetscher team now has 18 points and the undisputed place in the sun. This has to be defended on Friday evening in the guest game against fourth-placed Vipiteno and two days later at home against Val Gardena. Eppan already had the upper hand against the Ladins in the first leg away. Coach Jarno Mensonen has no injury concerns ahead of the two games this weekend. He will be able to make full use of it.

SV Kaltern Rothoblaas Most recently, the Hechte showed a clear upward trend in their victory after a penalty shootout in Merano. Previously, they had to admit defeat three times in a row and at the same time give up the lead in the table. Now the crisis in results should definitely be forgotten with another success in the difficult away game in Wolkenstein. On Sunday, however, coach Thomas Sandlin's team will welcome the crisis-hit club from Pergine to the Raiffeisen Arena. The sporting management is hoping for the return of striker Mirko Quinz before these two games. Meanwhile, Daniel Spinell, who will be out for at least four weeks due to an injury, will be out for the long term.

HC Neumarkt Riwega The HC Neumarkt was clearly on the rise last week. Two victories in a row and the signing of NHL striker Nick Bonino have made the initial difficulties forgotten and awaken the desire for more in the lower country. Thanks to the commitment of the Anaheim Ducks center, who also recorded two goals and three assists, the offensive has clearly increased in quality. However, this now needs to be put on the ice in the upcoming games in Pergine and at home against EV Bozen. Both opponents clearly start as outsiders, but should not be underestimated. With the exception of Paolo Bustreo, the entire squad is available to Joe West. The striker is in the rehabilitation phase after a torn cruciate ligament and could return to the ice sooner than initially expected, even at the beginning of February if the healing progresses well.

HC Gherdeina The Kufencracks from Val Gardena may have a trend-setting weekend ahead of them: After three defeats in three games, coach Thomas Kostner's men have to show a reaction and do everything they can to avoid slipping further in the table. On Friday, an extremely unpleasant opponent, SV Kaltern, will be playing in the Pranives Stadium, while two days later the trip to Eppan is on the agenda. Captain Fabrizio Senoner has to watch both matches from the stands due to an injury. Swedish attacker Niklas Anger, who has returned to his homeland for family reasons, is no longer on board.

HC Meran Junior The people of Passerstadt are determined to get back on the road to success immediately after the home defeat against Kalter. Before the match against the Überetscher, coach Doug McKay's team remained unbeaten for three games in a row and put an extremely turbulent start to the season behind them with convincing performances. The Eagles' next home game is on Friday, when the in-form players from EV Bozen play in the MeranArena at 20.30 p.m. On Sunday, however, the unpleasant away game against the Broncos Vipiteno follows. In both matches, McKay will have to make do without the two injured offensive players Max Ansoldi and Michael Stocker.

HC Pergine Solarplus “We have overcome the worst. Now it’s time to show morale in the next games,” says Pergine coach Marco Liberatore confidently. After a meeting between club officials and players, salary cuts were agreed to help ensure that gaming operations in Valsugana are maintained. Experienced players such as Troy Barnes, Pontus Moren, Lino De Toni, but also Liberatore have entered into the agreement. This means that the team structure is likely to remain in place despite the financial difficulties. “We owe it to ourselves, the officials and especially the fans to end the season with honor,” said Liberatore. After the 0-5 defeat at the “green table” against Eppan, Pergine is gaining new courage immediately before the home game against Neumarkt and the away game in Kaltern.

EV Bolzano 84 Groupon EV Bozen is undoubtedly the team of the hour! Three wins in a row meant that the league’s former “gray mouse” climbed up the Serie A2 table. After coach Fred Carroll's boys recently caused a sensation with a victory in the Vipiteno Weihenstephan Arena, further successes against the strong teams from Meran and Neumarkt are now to follow. In particular, the recently outstanding Marcello Platè in the Talferstädter goal is the symbol of the new upswing. Hopes also rest on him in the two games at the weekend, while veteran striker Christian Timpone has to miss out due to a hand injury.

WSV Vipiteno Weihenstephan The Broncos urgently need six points in the upcoming games in order to maintain contact with the top of the table. After the surprising defeat against EV Bozen, Vipiteno now has to turn the lever and find its old strength. The best opportunity to do this comes on the ninth matchday in the top game against HC Eppan, who are traveling to Wipptal as league leaders. The third home game in a row against HC Meran follows on Sunday. With the exception of the injured Luca Scardoni, coach Oly Hicks can send his best line-up onto the ice in both matches.

Serie A2 – Matchday 9 – Friday, October 26, 2012 Pranives in Selva, 20:30 p.m HC Gherdeina – SV Kaltern Rothoblaas

MeranArena in Meran, 20:30 p.m HC Meran Junior – EV Bozen 84 Groupon

Weihenstephan Arena in Vipiteno, 20:30 p.m WSV Vipiteno Weihenstephan – HC Eppan Sarah

Ice rink in Pergine, 20:30 p.m Pergine Solarplus – HC Neumarkt Riwega

Serie A2 – Matchday 10 – Sunday, October 28nd Weihenstephan Arena in Vipiteno, 19:00 p.m WSV Vipiteno Weihenstephan – HC Meran Junior

Ice stadium in Eppan, 19:00 p.m HC Eppan Sarah – HC Gherdeina

Würth Arena in Neumarkt, 19:00 p.m HC Neumarkt Riwega – Ev Bozen 84 Groupon

Raiffeisen Arena in Kaltern, 19:00 p.m SV Kaltern Rothoblaas – Pergine Solarplus

The table after 8 games 1. HC Eppan Sarah 18 points 2. SV Kaltern Rothoblaas 14 3. HC Neumarkt Riwega 13 4. WSV Stering Weihenstephan 12 5. HC Meran Junior 12 6. HC Gherdeina 11 7. EV Bozen 84 Groupon 9 8. HC Pergine Solarplus 7

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Series A2: The hunt for frontrunner Eppan begins again

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