Release from 11.04.2026

Gherdeina wins Game 1 of the Finals

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In the Alps Hockey League’s “underdog final” — with the tenth-placed team after the regular season hosting the eleventh-placed side — HC Gherdeina took a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series against HC Meran/o. Gröden claimed Game 1 on Saturday night with a 5–1 victory.

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Both finalists opened the first game of the series on even footing. In the eighth minute, HC Gherdeina struck first to open the Finals scoring. Following a rebound from a Julian Senoner shot, Stephan Deluca reacted quickest and lifted the puck on the backhand for the 1–0 lead.

Gherdeina extended its advantage in the middle frame. Hannes Kasslatter made it 2–0 in the 30th minute, perfectly finishing a puck coming off the boards. Just moments later, Luke Moncada capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play to increase the lead to 3–0.

In the final period, Brayden Sherbinin pulled one back for HC Meran/o with a highlight-reel solo effort, but Dmitry Vozovik restored the three-goal cushion shortly after, making it 4–1 and halting the hosts’ momentum. Rasmus Nousiainen had a penalty shot opportunity to bring his team back into the game but was unable to convert. Davide Schiavone then sealed the result with an empty-net goal for the 5–1 final score, securing a 1–0 series lead in the “underdog final” — once again for the lower-ranked team.

Alps Hockey League, Final #1
HC Meran/o – HC Gherdeina valgardena.it 1:5 (0:1, 0:2, 1:2)
Goals HCM: Sherbinin (50.)
Goals GHE: Deluca (8.), Kasslatter (30.), Moncada (31./pp2), Vozovik (51.), Schiavone (55./en.)

(c) BK Photo