Release from 14.01.2026

Red Bull Hockey Juniors become first confirmed playoff team

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The Red Bull Hockey Juniors claimed a 5–3 road win against HC Gherdeina valgardena.it in Wednesday’s only Alps Hockey League game, becoming the first team to officially qualify for the 2026 playoffs.

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The league leaders secured a 5–3 victory in Val Gardena and can no longer be pushed out of the top five in the standings. The Juniors made a strong start to the game, taking a 2–0 lead within the opening ten minutes thanks to goals from Adrian Gesson and Maximilian Wurzer.

Gherdeina managed to close the gap twice in the second period, but Lukas Greil restored the two-goal cushion early in the final frame with the decisive 4–2 marker. The home side pulled one back late on, but were unable to force overtime. An empty-net goal sealed the 5–3 win for the Red Bull Hockey Juniors.

With the victory, the Juniors now hold a five-point lead over the nearest chasing duo and are the first team to clinch a spot in the 2026 Alps Hockey League playoffs. HC Gherdeina remains in ninth place.

Alps Hockey League, 14.01.2025:
HC Gherdeina valgardena.it – Red Bull Hockey Juniors 3:5 (0:2, 1:3, 2:0)
Referees: Moschen, Piras, Abeltino, Rivis
Goals GHE: Moncada (27.), Buono (38.), Kasslatter (57.)
Goals RBJ: Gesson (5.), Wurzer (10.), Lanzinger (37./pp), Greil (42./gwg), Juhola (60./en)

Foto (c) Matthäus Kostner