Release from 12.09.2025

Simon Pitschieler: ” It’s a great league for player development”

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Simon Pitschieler will start his ninth Alps Hockey League season next Saturday. The captain of HC Gherdeina valgardena.it, who has also played in the league for Sterzing and spent two seasons in the win2day ICE Hockey League with Bolzano, is hoping for a stronger season than last year. Ahead of the AHL anniversary season, he also talks about the importance of the league and his personal highlights.

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The Alps Hockey League turns 10 this year. How has the level of play evolved since its early days?
Simon Pitschieler: “I think the league has adapted to the evolution of the game. It has generally become faster, and the teams have become more professional. Of course, there are still favorites, but I think any team can beat any other team now. The differences between the teams are not as big as they used to be."

Which players have had the biggest impact on the league over the past nine seasons?
Simon Pitschieler: “There have been several players who made a big impact on this league. We were lucky to have some very strong players who helped us a lot, like Brad McGowan, who still holds the record for most points, and Matt Wilkins. Then there are players like Max Wilfan, who I think had a great impact, and others who won several championships, also had a huge influence over the past years.”

What has been your personal highlight in the Alps Hockey League so far?
Simon Pitschieler: “A personal highlight was definitely that playing in the Alps Hockey League gave me the chance to play for Bolzano in the ICE Hockey League. Also, coming back after my back injury and being able to play again was a big highlight. And now, still being able to play in this league is great.”

How has the Alps Hockey League shaped Italian hockey, especially in developing young players?
Simon Pitschieler: “The league’s introduction was very important. In the last Serie A season, we only had eight teams. When the Alps Hockey League was created, it brought back a league with more teams, which was crucial for young players. As I mentioned, it allowed some players to move up to the ICE Hockey League. It’s a great league for player development.”

Which rivalries make the league special?
Simon Pitschieler: “The league includes teams from several countries, that´s why matches between teams from the same country are always special. For us, playing against Italian teams is always a highlight because we also have the Serie A league. Especially here in South Tyrol, many of the games are local derbies, which makes them particularly special.”

With what expectations are you heading into the anniversary season?
Simon Pitschieler: “Last season we didn’t have a good year, so this season we want to perform as best as possible. It’s a very important season for us. With several changes over the summer, I’m looking forward to the season, and I think this year will definitely be better for us.”

Facing Kitzbühel again in the opener, just like last season when you lost 1-5 on the road. What will be key for a strong start to the anniversary season?
Simon Pitschieler: “This year, we want to come home with three points right away. The key will be implementing our game from the start. If we stick to the game plan, I’m confident we can get those three points.”

All games of the new Alps Hockey League season will be streamed live on www.valcome.tv. To watch all the games of your team during the Regular Season and the Master/Qualification Round, there is a special Team Pass available for only €99.