Release from 21.03.2023

Gazley’s brace sends Bolzano to semifinals

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Dustin Gazley gave HCB Südtirol Alperia their fifth semifinal appearance in the win2day ICE Hockey League. In the 3-2 home win after overtime in the decisive game of the "best-of-7" quarterfinal series against the Steinbach Black Wings Linz, Gazley secured the overtime with his first goal and decided it after only 44 seconds in the extra session with his second goal. With this win the regular season dominator from South Tyrol completed semifinals, where they will meet the spusu Vienna Capitals. In the second pairing, EC Red Bull Salzburg and EC-KAC will meet.

PULS24 has already selected the first three live TV games, starting to broadcast the semifinal opener of defending champion Salzburg against Klagenfurt on Friday (7:05 pm).

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There were hardly any changes in the line-up of the two quarter-final opponents: HCB Südtirol Alperia as well as Steinbach Black Wings Linz started with their best line-up, apart from the suspended Emilio Romig. The Upper Austrians managed a perfect start in front of 5,325 spectators, as Logan Roe (1.) took a shot from the blue line and the puck sailed past Sam Harvey, who had no sight. Linz was ahead after just 23 seconds. For the rest of the first period the visitors played smart, Bolzano lacked the necessary creativity and determination.

In the second period, however, the "Foxes" became much stronger, Domenico Alberga slammed the puck against the crossbar early on. HCB took command, had the better of the play but missed too many chances, even in overtime. The equalizer came in shorthanded when Luca Frigo (38./SH1) gave Rasmus Tirronen no chance after a solo effort. But Linz restored the lead only 34 seconds later through a blueliner by Andreas Kristler (39.), still on powerplay.

Bolzano pressed again for the equalizer, Linz pulled back more and more. But it took until the 55th minute when Dustin Gazley got free to the puck in the slot with his 20th goal of the season and converted it, sending the game into overtime. It took only 44 seconds for Gazley in the extra session to turn Sparkasse Arena into a madhouse with his second goal, after Gaffal lost the puck and the US American skated alone and successfully towards Tirronen.

Win2day ICE Hockey League | 21.03.2023 | QF7 | Results:
HCB Südtirol Alperia - Steinbach Black Wings Linz 3:2 OT (0:1, 1:1, 1:0, 1:0)
Referees: OFNER, STERNAT, Nothegger, Seewald. | Spectators: 5325
„best-of-7“ series: 4:3
Goals HCB: Frigo (38./SH1), Gazley (55., 61.)
Goals BWL: Roe (1.), Kristler (39./PP1)