Release from 07.04.2026

Gherdëina dethrones Zell am See | Merano forces Game 7

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HC Gherdeina valgardena.it has dethroned the EK Zeller Eisbären. The eight-seeded South Tyroleans, who finished the regular season just in eleventh place, continued their remarkable run on Tuesday evening by winning Game 6 of the semifinals 6–1 on home ice, advancing to the Alps Hockey League Final for the first time in the club’s history. Meanwhile, HC Meran/o Pircher forced a decisive Game 7 against KHL Sisak. The South Tyroleans prevailed 4–3 in front of their home crowd – the deciding matchup will take place on Thursday in Croatia.

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In Wolkenstein, the game followed a familiar pattern from the rest of the series: Zell am See controlled possession and created more scoring chances, but Gherdëina struck with ruthless efficiency. Less than two minutes in, Moncada opened the scoring for the hosts on a quick counterattack. While the guests failed to capitalize on several top chances, Schiavone doubled the lead on a power play rebound. Shortly after, Moncada scored again on a breakaway to make it 3–0. Zell am See continued to push in the second period, but Gherdëina remained dangerous on the counter—holding their three-goal cushion through two periods. Early in the third, Huard cut the deficit on the power play, but the HCG held firm defensively. Despite heavy pressure from the Pinzgau side, they couldn’t find another goal. In the closing minutes, Zell pulled their goalie early, only for Kasslatter to seal it with an empty-netter. Gherdëina added two more late strikes to complete the 6–1 rout and clinch a historic spot in the Finals.

The series between KHL Sisak and HC Meran/o Pircher, on the other hand, goes the full distance. In the Meranarena, the Croatians took the lead in the 17th minute when Juric finished off a 2-on-1 rush. The middle frame turned into a goal festival: first, a deflected shot from Claesson found its way into the near corner, then Juric netted his second of the night with a precise shot right off a faceoff. Claesson initiated the next attack — Cruseman was denied by goaltender Nikolic, but Nousiainen converted the rebound to make it 2-2. The game remained highly entertaining: Frick scored to give Meran its first lead, only for Larionovs to tie it up again for Sisak on the power play in the final second of the second period. Just 48 seconds into the final frame, Gellon pounced on a rebound to put the “Eagles” back ahead—this time for good. In the dying moments, the visitors pushed hard in a 6-on-4 situation but couldn’t find the equalizer. The series-deciding Game 7 will now take place on Thursday in Croatia.

Alps Hockey League:

Tue, 07/04/2026:
HC Gherdeina valgardena.it – EK Die Zeller Eisbären 6:1 (3:0, 0:0, 3:1)
Referees: LAZZERI, WINKLER, Bondi, Strimitzer
Goals GHE: Moncada (2nd, 15th), Schiavone (12th/PP), Kasslatter (57th/EN), Biondi (57th/EN), Dostalek (59th/PP2)
Goal EKZ: Huard (41st/PP)
Final score in the best-of-7 series: 4–2

HC Meran/o Pircher – KHL Sisak 4:3 (0:1, 3:2, 1:0)
Referees: HLAVATY, RIVIS, Abeltino, Dummermuth-Haas
Goals HCM: Claesson (24.), Nousiainen (36.), Frick (37.), Gellon (41.)
Goals SIS: Juric (17., 29.), Larionovs (40./PP)
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 3:3

Photo: Matthäus Kostner