Release from 13.12.2025
On Saturday, the EK Zeller Eisbären won the Alps Hockey League top clash on the road against Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel. The reigning champions secured a 4–1 victory thanks to a dominant final period and climbed to third place in the standings. While EC Bregenzerwald returned to winning ways, both Rittner Buam SkyAlps and Hafro Cortina Hockey celebrated their third straight wins.
Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel – EK Die Zeller Eisbären 1–4 (1–1, 0–0, 0–3)
In the derby, the Zeller Eisbären delivered a complete team performance to lock in their spot in the Austrian Championship final with a 4–1 away win. An early goal by Hochfilzer put Kitzbühel ahead, Jennes equalized in front of more than 1,300 fans in the first period. In the third, the defending AHL champions took control: Wilfan, Widen, and Jennes again found the net to seal the clear victory. Goaltender Alexander Schmidt impressed with a strong game, while returning players Coffman and Widhalm provided key momentum. With the victory, the Polar Bears rose to third in the standings.
EC Bregenzerwald – HC Gherdeina valgardena.it 6–2 (4–1, 2–0, 0–1)
After three straight defeats, EC Bregenzerwald bounced back in emphatic fashion. Backed by more than 1,500 fans, the Vorarlberg side laid the foundation early, taking the first period 4–1. Toivo Laaksonen shone with a first-period brace, while in the second period Lipsbergs extended the lead to 6–1 with a power-play goal. Gherdeina managed one more late goal, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the home team. Still sixth in the standings, Bregenzerwald also avenged their loss from the first matchup of the season.
HC Meran/o Pircher – Rittner Buam SkyAlps 2–5 (0–1, 0–2, 2–2)
Rittner Buam SkyAlps came out on top in the South Tyrolean derby in Merano with a convincing 5–2 win. After goals from Crespi, Welychka, and Alderson, Ritten led 3–0 after two periods. Welychka added a goal from behind the net to make it 4–0 in the final frame. Merano briefly narrowed the gap through Marinovich and Stefanson (2–4), but Alderson sealed the deal late with his second goal of the night. Goalie Colin Furlong was a standout player, frustrating Merano with several key saves.
S.G. Cortina Hafro – Hockey Unterland Cavaliers 4–3 (2–1, 1–2, 1–0)
In their first game in Pieve di Cadore — with Cortina’s home arena unavailable due to Olympic preparations — the Blue-and-Whites celebrated their third consecutive victory. The Cavaliers struck first, but head coach Gaber Glavic’s team turned the game around before the first intermission. The Cavaliers briefly regained the lead with two power-play goals early in the second, before Talamini tied it in the 38th minute. In the final period, Massimo Pietroniro scored his second of the night on the power play to secure the home win.
Alps Hockey League
Sat, 13.12.2025:
EC Bregenzerwald – HC Gherdeina valgardena.it 6:2 (4:1, 2:0, 0:1)
Referees: BROCK, SPIEGEL, Steiner, Veselka
Goals ECB: Bergström (7.), T. Laaksonen (11., 19./PP), Kramer (14.), U. Laaksonen (21.), Lipsbergs (38./PP)
Goals GHE: Vozovik (10.), Deluca (49.)
Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel – EK Die Zeller Eisbären 1:4 (1:1, 0:0, 0:3)
Referees: HOLZER, UNTERWEGER, Divis, Preiser
Goal KEC: Hochfilzer (7.)
Goals EKZ: Jennes (14., 55.),Wilfan (43.), Widen (44.)
HC Meran/o Pircher – Rittner Buam SkyAlps 2:5 (0:1, 0:2, 2:2)
Referees: LAZZERI, MOSCHELN, Cusin, Rivis
Goals HCM: Marinovich (48.),Stefanson (52)
Goals RIT: Crespi (9./PP), Welychka (21., 43.), Alderson (26., 58.)
S.G. Cortina Hafro – Hockey Unterland Cavaliers 4:3 (2:1, 1:2, 1:0)
Referees: LEBEN, VIRTA, Brondi, Miklic
Goals SGC: M. Pietroniro (14., 49./PP), Kalajanniska (19./SH),Talamini (38.)
Goals HCU: Egger (9.), Galassiti (23./PP), Seniut (24./PP)
Photo: Alexander Schwaninger