Release from 13.03.2026

Erik Hofer after his first brace: “That was a very special moment for me”

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The 19-year-old Erik Hofer had a memorable day during yesterday’s 5–2 home win of the Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan against the EK Die Zeller Eisbären. In his 42nd Alps Hockey League game, the forward scored his first-ever brace. Hofer was understandably thrilled after the match and is looking ahead with confidence to the upcoming challenges against the defending champion. After two games, the quarterfinal series is tied 1–1.

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Hofer opened the scoring just 158 seconds into the game, putting Sterzing ahead against Zell am See. In the 31st minute, the 19-year-old struck again, scoring the 4–2 goal and playing a key role in the home victory. “I’m really happy that I could score two goals and help the team. That was a very special moment for me,” Hofer said after the game.

For Zell am See, it was the first defeat after a nine-game winning streak, bringing the series back to even terms. On what was decisive for the home win, Hofer explained: “I think we played with concentration from the start and executed our plan very well.”

In February, the two teams met twice in the Master Round, with both games ending in clear victories for Zell am See: 7–2 at home and 9–2 in Sterzing later that month. In the quarterfinals, however, the two-time semifinalist has shown a completely different face. Sterzing went ahead in both games – while Zell am See managed to turn around Game 1, Game 2 ended in a well-deserved home win for the Broncos.

For youngstar Hofer, the playoffs bring new rules: “In the playoffs, everything starts from zero again. Our intensity and focus are even higher, and from the losses we’ve learned that we need to play against Zell am See with more energy and discipline.”

The series continues on Saturday in Zell am See (19:30/Valcome.tv). While Sterzing will again be the underdog, Hofer believes even more is possible against the defending champion: “We have to keep working hard, play simply, and stick together as a team. If we bring the energy from Thursday’s game onto the ice, a lot is possible again.”

Highlights Quarterfinal 2: