Ljubljana clinched the Alps Hockey League trophy!

Alps Hockey League, Finals – game #7 (best of seven):
Sun, 21.04.2019: HC Pustertal Wolves vs. HK SZ Olimpija 1:3 (1:0,0:0,0:3)
best of seven series: 3:4
Referees: OFNER, RUETZ, Basso, De Zordo; spectators: 2.070
Everything was prepared for an exciting game seven. The teams started with a lot of intensity into the game. Right from the beginning both teams accepted a tough fight for the trophy.  After only one minute Ljubljana had the first powerplay, but couldn’t capitalize. Pustertal kept on playing with high intensity. After a boarding of Maximilian Leitner Ljubljana received four minutes of powerplay. Luka Zorko had the first big chance for Ljubljana, Jezorvsek the next one, but Colin Furlong did a good job in keeping his sheet clean for the long duration of the powerplay. Playing five against five Bruneck had a phase of high pressure. Tommaso Traversa and Armin Hofer created good chances. But also Zan Us did a good job in keeping the zero. Gregor Koblar had probably the biggest chance so far directly in front of the net of Pustertal. But then it was Armin Hofer who opened the scoring of game seven in the countermove in the 18th minute. Emotions went high in the final two minutes. The first period ended with two times two minutes on both sides, because of roughness.

Ljubljana took an early penalty in the second period. So Pustertal managed to keep pressure up in powerplay. But also in five against fives Pustertal had the bigger chances. Raphael Andergassen had the 2:0 on the stick, but Us kept his team within reach. Ljubljana weakened itself taking another penalty. This time the powerplay of Pustertal was too harmless. Back in full strength Ales Music took a chance but missed. Also Miha Zajc found a big opportunity – with the same result like his teammate before. But also Pustertal had big chances to increase the lead. Max Oberrauch missed the net at a breakaway. The second period ended with no goals.

Bruneck tried to decide the game early in the third period, but, the Wolves could not score from their chances even on Power Play. Traversa had a great opportunity in minute 50, but he could not beat goalie Zan Us from a short distance. The Slovenes did not give up. Ziga Svete shoot from the blue line and tied the game (52.). The guests got an extra boost and Miha Zajc turned the game just 105 seconds later – 2:1. The Wolves were shocked and could not respond anymore. Zajc has even netted the 3:1 into the empty net in minute 59 and fixed the title. HK SZ Olimpija has earned the Alps Hockey League title as the first Slovenian team.

Goal PUS: Hofer (18. – Traversa, Andergassen)

Goals HKO:  Svete (53. – Rajsar), zajc (54. – Koblar, Zorko; 59./EN – Koblar)