Release from 25.03.2025

Jesenice and Zell am See take the lead in the semi-finals

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The EK Zeller Eisbären won the semi-final opener against the Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan 3:1, with Nick Huard getting a brace. In addition, HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice beat the Rittner Buam SkyAlps in the second overtime - Luc Slivnik scored a powerplay goal in the 83rd minute to decide the game.

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The regular-season champions defeated the Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan 3:1 in front of almost 2,000 spectators to open the semi-finals. An intense and evenly-matched duel developed from the beginning, with the Polar Bears having a slight advantage in the first period and more chances on their side. The hosts stepped up the pressure considerably in the middle period and were finally rewarded: In the 35th minute, Max Wilfan beat Broncos goalkeeper Dominik Groh for the first time in the powerplay. Inspired by the opening goal, the team from Zell increased their lead before the break: Nicklas Huard made it 2:0 in the 39th minute and thus ensured a supposedly comfortable starting position before the final period. The Broncos did not give up and were rewarded when Paul Eisendle pulled one back in the 58th minute. The hosts held their nerve, however, and Huard scored an empty-netter - his second goal of the evening - to secure the final score.

In the second semi-final between the Rittner Buam SkyAlps and HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice, the visitors came out on top. After an even and goalless first period, the South Tyroleans took command after the restart. However, the Slovenians got the first goal when Olli Valtola scored after winning the puck in the 29th minute. But just five minutes later, Ritten pinned their opponents in defence and Simon Kostner finally equalized. The reigning AHL champions pressed for the lead in the third period, but Jesenice goalie Zan Us, who saved a total of 55 shots on the evening, was able to make a number of excellent saves. The game went into the first overtime period, which also remained goalless - but shortly before the end, Ritten's Ethan Szypula conceded a 2+2 penalty, which proved to be the home side's undoing. Luc Slivnik scored a powerplay goal in the 83rd minute to decide the game. The Slovenians thus took the lead in the best-of-7 series.

Alps Hockey League, Semi-finals 1
Tue, 25.03.2025:
EK Die Zeller Eisbären - Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan 3:1 (0:0,2:0,1:1)
Referees: OREL, VOICAN, Weiss, Wucherer
Goals 1:0 EKZ Wilfan M. (34:03 / Johansson R. ,Predan A. / PP), 2:0 EKZ Huard N. (38:59 / Egger M. ,McLeod M. / EQ), 2:1 WSV Eisendle P. (57:57 / Capannelli A. ,Sanvido C. / EQ), 3:1 EKZ Huard N. (59:48 / Johansson R. / EQ)
Score in the best-of-7 series 1:0

Rittner Buam SkyAlps - SIJ Acroni Jesenice 1:2 OT (0:0,1:1,0:0,0:1)
Referees: BULOVEC, LAZZERI, Brondi, Markizeti
Goals 0:1 JES Valtola O. (28:28 / Sturm J. / EQ), 1:1 RIT Kostner S. (33:23 / Öhler M. / EQ), 1:2 JES Slivnik L. (82:19 / Jenko J. ,Selan M. / PP)
Score in the best-of-7 series 0:1

Photo: Max Pattis