Before the semi-final clash: those responsible in conversation

The HC Pustertal and the Rittner Buam meet in the “Best-of-3” series. In the following double interview, the two sporting directors look at the semi-final series starting on Tuesday at 20 p.m. in Bruneck.

s+: What do you think about the semi-final series between Pustertal and Ritten?

Patrick Bona: “I expect a close series. On paper we might be considered stronger than our opponents. After all, we have 4 foreigners available and Ritten only has 2. Nevertheless, there is no favorite for me. The Buam have always been extremely motivated against the HCP in the past and have recently shown a strong improvement in form.”

Adolf Insam: “If you look at how this season went, then HC Pustertal is clearly the favorite, even though we have won 2 of the 4 direct duels so far this winter. The Pusterers have put together a team that should win titles. However, we made the decision in the summer to rely more on young players. “

s+: In the four previous season duels between “Wölfen” and Buam there were always home wins. Will home advantage be the deciding factor in the end?

Bona: “What was before no longer counts. The series starts from scratch. Being able to play the third and decisive game at home is a small advantage. Unfortunately, no spectators are allowed into the stadium. The fans have always pushed us forward in the past and we will definitely miss them this year. But starting at home can also be a disadvantage. In a “best-of-3” series, game 3 is of great importance and already points the way. The pressure is clearly on us on Tuesday: we can’t afford any slip-ups.”

Patrick Bona, sporting director of HC Pustertal © IWAN FOPPA

Insam: “In my opinion, the home advantage plays a minor role this season due to the corona-related circumstances. Normally a cauldron would await us in Bruneck on Tuesday. Nevertheless, every player feels better in their own stadium. That’s why the HCP has an advantage.”

s+: What will be crucial for reaching the final?

Bona: “It’s the usual things that matter in a play-off series. Usually it's little things. In any case, the discipline associated with the special teams will be important. The tactical details could also be decisive in the end. The goalkeeping performance shouldn’t be forgotten.”

Insam: “First and foremost, it depends on the lineup. We will definitely be missing Philipp Pechlaner and Kevin Fink in Game 1. There is also a big question mark behind the deployment of MacGregor Sharp. He will only decide at short notice whether he will play in Bruneck or not. Discipline, tactics and the goalkeeper are important. We have to play intelligently, avoid penalties and the goalkeeper has to help us. We have improved enormously recently and have nothing to lose as outsiders.”

s+: Who or what do you fear most from your opponent?

Bona: “Ritten is a young team that is very compact and has some very dangerous individual players. We have to stay away from the penalty box because the Buam have a strong power play. We will definitely not underestimate our opponents and will go into the series with respect. Our goal is to reach the final.”

Insam: “HC Pustertal is a very complete team that has 4 balanced lines. There are also many experienced and strong players with scoring qualities in the squad. That's why the pressure is on the “wolves”. But we are ready and fully motivated.”

s+: The dress rehearsal went wrong on Saturday: Pustertal lost against Kitzbühel with 2:3 nP, Ritten against Jesenice with 2:3. Could these defeats play a role in the upcoming semi-finals?

Bona: “I think this defeat came at exactly the right time. After 11 home wins this season, it was our first defeat at the Rienzstadion. I hope everyone goes on the ice on Tuesday with the right attitude and does their job. If you don’t do the little things well, you can lose to any opponent.”

Insam: “I don’t think the botched dress rehearsal will play a role. We lost quite unluckily against Jesenice and left that game with a good feeling. The people of Pusteria were probably already thinking about the semi-finals on Saturday and missed the final consequence.”

s+: How do you see the starting position in the second semi-final series between Asiago and Cortina?

Bona: “I expect an open series there too. Cortina is a very unpleasant opponent who is excellent at counter-attacking. Nevertheless, I think Asiago is to be favoured.”

Insam: “In terms of quality, Asiago has an advantage. The defending champions are deeper than Cortina. The old master has bundled the foreign forces into the parade block, which is why the remaining lines are quite sloping. Since the return of goalkeeper Marco De Filippo Roia, Cortina’s form has been pointing upwards.”

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Before the semi-final clash: those responsible in conversation

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