Release from 31.03.2026

Zell am See regains the lead with narrow home win

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Third home win in the third game of the series between EK Die Zeller Eisbären and HC Gherdeina valgardena.it: In front of 2,800 fans, the defending champions from Zell am See edged a tight 2–1 victory and took a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Defenseman Sebastian Zauner scored the game-winner with just four and a half minutes remaining. The second semifinal series between Meran and Sisak continues on Wednesday with Game 3.

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Once again, it was an extremely intense semifinal clash between Zell am See and Val Gardena. After a 2–1 overtime win in the opener, the Polar Bears also claimed the second home game by the same scoreline. In between, the Furie secured a commanding 5–0 victory. Blaz Tomazevic gave the home side the lead as early as the fourth minute. The score remained unchanged until the 39th minute, when captain Simon Pitschieler equalized for the visitors. Over the first two periods, Zell am See clearly dictated the play (27–10 shots on goal), but the game remained wide open.

In the final period, the visitors even outshot the hosts (10–7), but Zell am See struck the decisive blow with four and a half minutes left. After Matteo Luisetti was sent to the penalty box, the Austrian side capitalized just twelve seconds before the power play expired—one of only two man-advantage opportunities they had. Defenseman Zauner finished off a setup from Tomazevic to make it 2–1 to the delight of the home crowd. In the end, it remained a narrow home win, leaving Val Gardena under pressure heading into Thursday’s game (19:30 / valcome.tv) on home ice.

Alps Hockey League:
Tue, 31.03.2026
EK Die Zeller Eisbären - HC Gherdeina valgardena.it 2:1 (1:0, 0:1, 1:0)
Referees: HOLZER, UNTERWEGER, Seewald, Strimitzer
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 2:1
Goals EKZ: 1:0 Tomazevic B. (4.), 2:1 Zauner S. (56./PP1)
Goal GHE: 1:1 Pitschieler S. (39.)

Copyright: EKZ/Radlwimmer