Release from 23.02.2026

Decisions in the race for the Pre-Playoffs

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From Tuesday to Thursday, seven games are on the schedule in the Alps Hockey League. The remaining spots for the Pre-Playoffs will be decided in the two Qualification Rounds. While three teams battle for two places in Qualification Round A, Qualification Round B will feature a decisive showdown between Bregenzerwald and Jesenice.

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Master Round
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
18:00: Red Bull Hockey Juniors – KHL Sisak
Referees: Orel, Winkler, Preiser, Rinker

The Juniors alternated wins and losses through the first four games of the Master Round, most recently celebrating a 3:1 victory in Sterzing. They currently sit in second place, four points ahead of Sisak, who have played one game fewer. The Croatians won the opening matchup in this stage 4:0 against the Juniors but have since suffered two defeats. Overall, Sisak have taken three of the four season meetings between the teams.

Thu, 26 Feb 2026
20:00: Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan – EK Die Zeller Eisbären
Referees: Hlavatý, Unterweger, Divis, Veselka

Sterzing have managed just one win in their first five Master Round games and currently occupy fifth place. Zell am See, on the other hand, have won all four of their matches so far—including a dominant 7:2 home victory over the Broncos. The Pinzgau side has also come away victorious in their last five visits to Sterzing.

Qualification Round A
Thu, 26 Feb 2026
20:30: Hockey Unterland Cavaliers – HC Meran/o Pircher
Referees: Pinie, Virta, Cristeli, Ilmer

On Saturday, Meran secured their Pre-Playoff ticket with a 4:2 win over Unterland. Due to that loss, the Cavaliers can no longer qualify on their own. They will need a win on Thursday while also relying on the result of the other game in Qualification Round A. If they finish tied on points with Kitzbühel, Unterland would advance thanks to the better head-to-head record; however, in a tie with Cortina, the Cavaliers would miss out.

Thu, 26 Feb 2026
20:30: S.G. Cortina Hafro – Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel
Referees: Leben, Rivis, Arlic, Rivis

Just a few days ago, Kitzbühel overcame an early 0:2 deficit to claim a 6:3 home win against Cortina. With that, the Tyroleans moved up to second place, while Cortina now sit two points behind them. A win would secure Cortina’s Pre-Playoff berth, while the hosts only need one point to qualify. Kitzbühel have won two of their last three road games against Cortina.

Qualification Round B
Tue, 24 Feb 2026
20:30: HC Gherdeina valgardena.it – HDD Jesenice
Referees: Huber, Stefenelli, Callovini, Strimitzer

Gherdeina have won all four of their Qualification Round B games so far and, along with Ritten, have already booked their place in the Pre-Playoffs. Jesenice currently occupy fourth and last place. The Slovenians now face two crucial away games in Gherdeina and Bregenzerwald. A victory on Tuesday could improve their position before the decisive showdown the following day. In their most recent meeting, Gherdeina earned a 2:0 shutout win in Slovenia.

Wed, 25 Feb 2026
19:30: EC Bregenzerwald – HDD Jesenice
Referees: Holzer, Lazzeri, Abeltino, Brondi

This matchup is a direct duel for the final Pre-Playoff spot in Qualification Round B, though Jesenice’s result on Tuesday could still alter the situation. In their first meeting of this stage, the Slovenians claimed a convincing 6:0 victory and would hold the head-to-head advantage in case of a tie on points. The last three encounters in Dornbirn were all decided by a single goal, with Jesenice winning twice.

Thu, 26 Feb 2026
20:30: HC Gherdeina valgardena.it – Rittner Buam SkyAlps
Referees: Benvegnu, Moschen, Fecchio, Grisenti

Gherdeina could secure first place in Qualification Round B as early as Tuesday with a regulation-time win. Should they not succeed, Thursday’s clash with second-place Ritten will become a direct battle for the top spot. In their most recent meeting, Gherdeina prevailed 3:2.

All games are live on Valcome.TV übertragen.

Photo: Simon Prechter