Release from 09.09.2025

Tobias Brighenti: “My highlight - joining the league with my hometown team”

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On Saturday, September 20, the Alps Hockey League will kick off its tenth season. Before that, we are running a special interview series featuring experienced AHL players from all teams. They look back on their time in the multinational league, share their greatest moments, and give an outlook on the upcoming anniversary season. The series starts with Tobias Brighenti of the Hockey Unterland Cavaliers, who has already played seven seasons in the Alps Hockey League – first for Cortina, then Ritten and Pustertal, before returning to his hometown club in Unterland.

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The Alps Hockey League is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Looking back at the early years: how has the level of play developed over time?
Tobias Brighenti: “The league has developed a lot in recent years. Our team has become more professional and has adapted to international standards.”

In your opinion, which players have had the biggest impact on the league over the past nine seasons?
Tobias Brighenti: “Many great players have played in the league in recent years. That underlines the international importance of the AHL. Even now there are many top players who have a big influence on the league.”

What has been your personal highlight in the Alps Hockey League so far?
Tobias Brighenti: “My personal highlight was joining the league with my hometown team three years ago. It was a very special moment for me to step into the league with the club I grew up with.”

How important was the introduction of the Alps Hockey League for hockey in Italy – especially in terms of developing young players?
Tobias Brighenti: “The Alps Hockey League is very important for Italian teams. It gave us the chance to compete internationally and offered a big stage for young players.”

Which games or rivalries make the league particularly special? And what are your personal season highlights?
Tobias Brighenti: “In recent years, many rivalries have developed – not only against Italian teams. The derbies against clubs like Gardena or Ritten have a very special atmosphere.”

With what expectations are you heading into the anniversary season?
Tobias Brighenti: “We are a young team with many players coming up from our own junior program. Our goal is to improve every year and be competitive through spring.”

Who do you think will be crowned anniversary champion – and which underdog team could surprise?
Tobias Brighenti: “I expect the league to be very balanced again, just like in recent years. Zell am See, as the reigning champion, is certainly one of the top favorites. But every team has its chance. I hope we will be the surprise team that shocks everyone.”

In the season opener you face the Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan. Which factors will be decisive to ensure a successful start into the anniversary season?
Tobias Brighenti: “The first game after preseason is always tough. It’s important to deliver our best game right from the start, bring intensity, stay disciplined, and focus on the things we worked on during preseason.”

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.