Release from 28.02.2017

Debut season heads into playoffs

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On Wednesday the first Sky Alps Hockey League postseason starts with the first quarterfinal games, it's a „best of five“-series at this stage. The five best teams from Italy, both Vorarlberg traditional clubs Feldkirch and Lustenau as well as Slovenian side Jesenice target the title in the debut season.

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HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice (4) - EHC Alge Elastic Lustenau (6)
As at the beginning of the season, also the playoffs will start in Jesenice. The Slovenes finished fourth in Master Round having home advantage but no chance to pick their opponent. Now they face Lustenau in the quarters and it will be a tough series as the lions have won three of four season meetings with Jesenice winning one tight overtime game. Lustenau has pleasant associations with facing Jesenice in playoffs as they got a sweep in the last INL campaign. Both sides lost their last Master Round matches. 
 
Rittner Buam (1) - HC Neumarkt Riwega (8)
After three wins and having 26 points, Ritten finished Master Round first and picked Neumarkt for the quarters. The Italian champion decided both season meetings with the Wild Geese to their favour and has a solid all-time record. While Ritten won 14 games against Neumarkt, the guests only got two wins, one match ended tied.  However, it's the first playoff series between these clubs and Neumarkt has leading goalscorer Linus Lundström available. The Swede has found the back of the net 28 times so far. Ritten's Alexander Eisath is doubtful while Neumarkt will be at full strength.
 
HC Pustertal Wolves (2) - S.G. Cortina Hafro (7)
With a 5:0 home win against Lustenau on last Master Round game day, Pustertal climbed to second place in the final second. The wolves picked Cortina as opponent after Drew Omicioli's side had six wins in Qualification Round A and made it to the postseason by a devious route. Pustertal earned clear-cut victories in two season meeting with Raphael Andergassen scoring three goals. HCP conceded fewest goals against of all teams and has the best goalie avalaible as Thomas Tragust has a save percentage of 93.7. In Master Round, the team from Brunico scored most goals furthermore.
 
Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey (3) - FBI VEU Feldkirch (5)
On Saturday Asiago dropped to third place with an overtime defeat in Ritten and they could only choose between Feldkirch and Lustenau. After winning all four encounters, the Italians picked the VEU. However, the last two meetings give Feldkirch hope as both teams met at eye level. Krys Kolanos, who joined Asiago in early January, ha scored four goals against Feldkirch. The Austrians build on AHL top scorer Dylan Stanley who has earned 19 goals and 38 assists so far.

Sky Alps Hockey League, 1st Quarter-finals (best of five)
01.03.2017, 18:30: HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice (4) - EHC Alge Elastic Lustenau (6)
Referees: BULOVEC, PODLESNIK, Angerer, Markizeti
 
01.03.2017, 20:00: Rittner Buam (1) - HC Neumarkt Riwega (8)
Referees: GAMPER, RUETZ, Basso, Tschrepitsch
 
01.03.2017, 20:30: HC Pustertal Wölfe (2) - S.G. Cortina Hafro (7)
Referees: STERNAT, VIRTA, Cristeli, Krausz
 
01.03.2017, 20:30: Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey (3) - FBI VEU Feldkirch (5)
Referees: LESNIAK, MOSCHEN, Giacomozzi, Wiest