Series A2: Semi-final start in Vipiteno and Neumarkt

WSV Vipiteno Weihenstephan – HC Gherdeina The semi-final pairing between the two traditional clubs Vipiteno and Val Gardena promises pure excitement, although the Broncos are certainly the favorites due to the extremely strong pre-season. After winning the “Coppa di Lega”, Oly Hicks’ team had ten days to prepare for the decisive championship phase. Nevertheless, it is anything but sunny in Sterzing, as sports director Egon Gschnitzer reveals: “TJ Caig has suffered a groin strain and will certainly not be playing this week. He is currently being examined in Munich. Let's hope that he is available again as soon as possible, because his absence is serious. But we will probably have a tough job ahead of us against Val Gardena anyway.” In addition to Caig, the Broncos will also not have the long-term injured Stefan Ramoser and Daniel Erlacher, as well as Daniel Maffia (concussion) and Kevin Larch. The situation is completely different at HC Gherdeina, which will travel to Wipptal with the best players. After the hard-fought quarter-final win against Meran, the Ladins are brimming with self-confidence. In the duel against Sterzing it is now important to be as disciplined as in the last game against the Adler. In the six previous meetings between the two semi-final opponents, the home team always prevailed (Sterzing 4:3, 7:0, 3:2; Val Gardena 3:1, 5:1, 2:1). A good omen for the Broncos?

HC Neumarkt Riwega – HC Eppan Sarah The Neumarkt-Eppan pairing also has a clear favorite on paper. After all, the Wild Geese spent almost the entire regular season in the top positions of the table, and they also recently had several days of rest available for regeneration. Eppan had to tremble until the fifth game in the series against Kaltern. But what does it all matter? True to the motto “Playoffs have their own rules,” the Pirates want to dismantle the second-place team and move into the final round. “The semi-finals are completely open,” says Neumarkt striker Flavio Faggioni, who sees Eppan on the rise: “We have to show a tactical masterpiece to put our opponents in their place. However, I am confident that we will succeed because the team is in top form and we have prepared the semi-finals down to the last detail. We benefited from the fact that all players were finally available. Now it's time to confirm the breath of fresh air that Teppo Kivelä has breathed into us in the semi-finals." So far this season, Eppan has forced its rivals from the lower country four times (4:2, 4:3, 5:1 at home, 4:3 in Neumarkt) fell to their knees, while Bertignoll and Co. won 4:1 and 7:2 in Würth Arena, but remained without a point in Überetsch. Regarding the lineups: Neumarkt can make the most of their home game on Wednesday, while at Eppan there is a question mark behind the appearances of Robert Raffeiner and Alex Rottensteiner. Coach Mensonen left the latter to stew in the stands on Sunday.

Serie A2 – 1st semi-final game (best of seven) – Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Weihenstephan Arena in Vipiteno, 20:30 p.m WSV Vipiteno Weihenstephan – HC Gherdeina Referee: Loreggia, Moschen, Mischiatti, Mori

Würth Arena in Neumarkt, 20:30 p.m HC Neumarkt Riwega – HC Eppan Sarah Referee: Gamper D.; Gasser, Gruber, Niederegger

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Series A2: Semi-final start in Vipiteno and Neumarkt

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