Release from 04.04.2026

Gardena and Sisak claim match pucks with overtime victories

Short text 347 CharactersPlain text

The fifth semifinal games in the Alps Hockey League delivered pure excitement. Around 5,600 fans created an electric atmosphere on Saturday in Zell am See and Sisak – and were treated to two dramatic clashes. In the end, both HC Gherdëina and KHL Sisak came out on top with 4–3 overtime wins, after managing to force late equalizers in regulation.

Press release 2810 CharactersPlain text

In Zell am See, the home team dominated large parts of the opening period and took the lead in the ninth minute: during a pressure phase, Rappold scored with a backhand in front of more than 2,800 spectators. In the 37th minute, Szypula broke his scoring drought and doubled the lead with his first goal of the semifinal series to make it 2–0. But just 26 seconds before the end of the period, the visitors struck back – after a perfect feed from Vozovik, Moncada converted with a one-timer. Things got even better for Gardena: in the 45th minute, Schiavone equalized after a quick transition play. In the 50th minute, defending champion Zell am See regained the lead through a powerful shot from Lahoda, but the hosts couldn’t hold on. With 70 seconds left in regulation – and with a sixth skater on the ice – the puck bounced off the boards right in front of the EKZ goal, and Moncada buried it coldly to make it 3–3. Both teams had chances in overtime, but Gardena gained momentum – and in the 77th minute, Guimond sealed the win with a shot into the far corner.

KHL Sisak also took a 3–2 lead in its semifinal series against HC Meran/o Pircher. The Croatians celebrated a 4–3 overtime win in front of more than 2,700 fans. After a scoreless first period, Vito Idzan opened the scoring for the home side in the 27th minute off a Zavrski assist. Although Sisak largely controlled the middle frame, the visitors turned the game around: in the 37th minute, Gellon tied it on the power play with a great move, and just 58 seconds later Claesson fired the puck into the top corner. Early in the third period, Lesnicar tied it on a rebound to make it 2–2, but the South Tyroleans answered right back – Fuchs capitalized on their second power play to restore the lead. In the closing phase, Sisak pulled their goalie, and Larionovs scored the equalizer 52 seconds before the final buzzer. Finally, in the 63rd minute, Kim sent the arena into celebration – 4–3 home win.

With these results, Gardena and Sisak now have the chance to clinch a spot in the Alps Hockey League final on Tuesday with another victory.

Alps Hockey League, Semi-final Game 5:

Sat, 04/04/2026:
EK Die Zeller Eisbären – HC Gherdeina valgardena.it 3–4 OT (1–0, 1–1, 1–2)
Referees: HOLZER, RIVIS, Abeltino, Divis
Goals EKZ: Rappold (9.), Szypula (37.), Lahoda (50.)
Goals GHE: Moncada (40., 59.), Schiavone (45.), Guimond (77.)
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 2:3

KHL Sisak – HC Meran/o Pircher 4–3 OT (0–0, 1–2, 2–1)
Referees: BULOVEC, VOICAN, Jeram, Markizeti
Goals SIS: V. Idzan (27.), Lesnicar (43.), Larionovs (60.), Kim (63.)
Goals HCM: Gellon (37th/PP), Claesson (38th), Fuchs (46th/PP)
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 3–2

Photo: EKZ/Radlwimmer