Release from 14.05.2026

Tommy Purdeller: “We have shown that we can keep up with strong nations”

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Italy is back in the top division of the World Championship as a promoted team. As the host nation of the 2026 Olympics, the Azzurri do not just want to take part, but also be competitive against the world’s best teams, as Tommy Purdeller explains in the interview. For the 22-year-old, a successful World Championship with survival in the top division could be the crowning achievement of an already strong season – after his Olympic participation and reaching the final of the win2day ICE Hockey League with HC Falkensteiner Pustertal.

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A total of twelve players from the win2day ICE Hockey League have made Italy’s World Championship roster – six players each from Pustertal and HCB Südtirol Alperia. The squad was announced after Tuesday’s final preparation game against Great Britain, which ended in a 5–3 defeat. Overall, the Azzurri played four test matches against the British, winning two of them. For Tommy Purdeller, these games were especially valuable: “Great Britain is an uncomfortable opponent that plays very physically and never gives up. These are exactly the kinds of games you need in preparation for a World Championship. We were able to take a lot from them, especially regarding our defensive play, special teams, and consistency over 60 minutes.”

During the preparations, the promoted team also suffered two defeats against France. In addition, they tested against Austria on April 16, losing 3–2 in overtime. Despite only two wins from seven preparation games, Purdeller draws a positive conclusion: “I think we can be very satisfied overall with our preparation. We worked intensively and made important steps forward as a team. Of course, there are always things to improve, but I believe we are well prepared for the World Championship and are now excited that it is finally starting.”

As a newly promoted team, Italy enters Group B in Fribourg as one of the underdogs. Alongside Canada, they will face Slovakia, Norway, Czechia, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia.

“We know that this World Championship will be extremely difficult at this level, but we are definitely not going there just to participate,” says the South Tyrolean forward. “We want to present ourselves as a team, play bravely, and look for our chances in every game. If we play our best hockey, we can cause problems for any opponent.”

Positive signs come especially from the Olympic Games in Milan this February, where Italy was able to keep up with some of the world’s top teams for long stretches: “The Olympic Games showed us that we can keep up with strong nations if we stick together as a team. These experiences definitely give us confidence. However, at a World Championship everything starts from zero again, and we have to earn every point the hard way.”

For the 22-year-old, the season has already been highly successful. In addition to the Olympic appearance, he reached the final of the win2day ICE Hockey League with Pustertal and was named Young Star of the Season. Surviving in the top division would now be the perfect ending: “This season has already been something very special for me, but staying up with the national team would have an even bigger meaning. Playing for Italy at a World Championship is always a great honour.”

The tournament opener comes on Saturday against record world champions Canada – one of several games against true hockey giants. Naturally, excitement is high: “I’m really looking forward to it. You don’t play teams like Canada every day, and as a kid you dream of exactly these kinds of games. Of course, we know the quality on the ice, but we want to take on the challenge and enjoy it.”

A potentially decisive game in the battle for survival could come at the end of the group stage, when Italy faces Slovenia. For Purdeller, it will be a special matchup, as he will meet club teammate Rok Tičar on the other side: “That’s obviously something special. I’m especially looking forward to playing against Rok Tičar, with whom I played this season. I also know some of the other players from league games. It will definitely be a hard-fought match, and we will give everything to win it.”

Italy’s World Championship Schedule:
Sat, 16.05.26, 16:20: Canada – Italy
Sun, 17.05.26, 12:20: Italy – Slovakia
Tue, 19.05.26, 16:20: Italy – Norway
Wed, 20.05.26, 16:20: Czechia – Italy
Fri, 22.05.26, 20:20: Italy – Sweden
Sun, 24.05.26, 16:20: Denmark – Italy
Mon, 25.05.26, 20:20: Slovenia – Italy