Release from 02.04.2026

Gherdeina and Meran tie their semifinal series with home wins

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HC Gherdeina evened their semifinal series against EK Zeller Eisbären with another home victory. The South Tyrolean side edged out the defending champions 2–1 on Thursday evening in front of more than 1,600 fans. HC Meran/o Pircher also drew level in their series against KHL Sisak, celebrating a 3–2 home win after overtime – Rasmus Nousiainen sealed the game in the 64th minute.

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Gherdeina came out strong, testing EKZ goaltender Schmidt several times before taking the lead six minutes in, when Dostalek converted a rebound. The visitors grew into the game but couldn’t find an answer before the first intermission. Early in the second period, the reigning champions successfully killed off a 5-on-3 penalty, and the matchup remained balanced afterward. Zell am See pushed hard in the third, eventually equalizing in the 49th minute as Widhalm found the back of the net. Shortly after, Gherdeina goalie Endre denied Szypula on a penalty shot. In the closing minutes, a defensive lapse proved costly for the guests – Luisetti capitalized to restore Gherdeina’s lead. Despite a late power play and all-out pressure, Zell failed to level the game again, and Endre’s saves secured the home win for Gherdeina.

Meran also got their second win in the series. Just 24 hours after Sisak’s 4–1 victory, the two sides met again at the Meranarena. The home team dominated most of the opening period, and with only 14 seconds left, Tomasini scored on a rebound to give Meran a well-deserved lead. Much like the previous night, Sisak responded early in the second frame: Marinkovic found space on the power play and fired into the top corner to make it 1–1. In the final period, Larcher put the South Tyroleans back in front, but Kim quickly equalized for Sisak. In overtime, it was Rasmus Nousiainen who delivered the decisive moment in front of more than 1,300 fans – beating Nikolic one-on-one in the 64th minute to clinch a 3–2 victory for Meran.

Alps Hockey League, Semi-final 4

Thu, 02/04/2026
HC Gherdeina valgardena.it - EK Die Zeller Eisbären 2-1 (1-0, 0-0, 1-1)
Referees: HLAVATY, SNOJ, Arlic, Dummermuth-Haas
Goals GHE: Dostalek (8.), Luisetti (57.)
Goal EKZ: Widhalm (49.)
Standings in the ‘best-of-7’ series: 2:2

HC Meran/o Pircher - KHL Sisak 3:2 OT (1:0, 0:1, 1:1)
Referees: HUBER, WINKLER, Brondi, Ilmer
Goals HCM: Tomasini (20'), Larcher (42'), Nousiainen (64')
Goals SIS: Marinkovic (24th/PP), Kim (46th)
Standings in the “best-of-7” series: 2–2

Photo: BK PHOTO