Austria’s U18 women finish third in Fondo after victory over hosts Italy!

Head Coach Arto Sieppi relied on goaltender Sophia Klaus for the final game against hosts Italy in Fondo, with Lara Reisinger serving as backup. The Austrians made a dream start: Alice Putschek scored to make it 1:0 after exactly 01:57 (2.). Red-White-Red remained the dominant side throughout the first period, but were unable to convert two power plays to extend their lead.

Towards the end of the first period, the ÖEHV selection faced their first penalty kill, successfully killed it off and did not concede before the buzzer. Austria continued to dictate proceedings in the second period, outshooting their opponents 7:1 in the first ten minutes up to the halfway point of the game. The Austrian offence repeatedly came up against Italy goaltender Caterina Bolech and missed the opportunity to build a bigger lead.

The game therefore remained very exciting, also because the next power-play opportunity passed without a goal. The Italians, however, proved efficient towards the end of the middle period and equalised on the power play: Aurora De Fanti made it 1:1 with 81 seconds remaining before the second-period buzzer (39.), only the Azzurri’s third shot on goal in the period.

The final period was now set for high drama and Austria finally got on the scoresheet on the power play: Valentina Prosen gave the ÖEHV selection a 2:1 lead after an assist from Amelie Suppan (48.); a thoroughly deserved lead at that point. Austria remained on the front foot, but their finishing – including on three further power plays – did not go as hoped. Italy pulled goaltender Caterina Bolech and Britta Bachler wrapped things up with her empty-net goal for 3:1 with 25 seconds remaining (60.). 37:9 shots on goal after 60 minutes underlined Red-White-Red’s dominance.

The Austrians therefore secured third place in the final standings with four points. Hungary won the tournament in Trentino, beating Germany 3:2 after a penalty shoot-out in the decisive game on Saturday morning to record their third victory.

The new Finnish Head Coach Arto Sieppi drew a positive conclusion after the first tournament together with the U18 team: "That was a really good finish to the tournament. It is always great when you win the final game, regardless of whether it is for the tournament title, third place or fifth place. We started the tournament very well, were even better in the second game and today the team once again played very well. They left all their skill and energy on the ice, we were clearly superior against Italy, our goaltender played very well and we scored on the power play. The atmosphere was good, the level of competition was very high, with great intensity from all teams. It was a really good start to the season, the women are all pulling together and we believe the girls will come back even stronger at the next camp in November!"

The Four Nations Tournament is an agreement between the four nations and will be held until 2026. After Italy this year, Hungary will host in 2026.

U18 Women’s Four Nations Tournament (Fondo, Italy)

Austria vs. Italy 3:1 (1:0,0:1,2:0)
Sat., 30 August 2025, 13:15
Austria goalscorers: Alice Putschek (2.), Valentina Prosen (48./PP1), Britta Bachler (60./EN)

Previously played:

Germany vs. Austria 5:2 (2:0,2:0,1:2)
Fri., 29 August 2025, 16:00
Austria goalscorers: Amelie Suppan (47.), Hanna Pap (49.)

Austria vs. Hungary 1:2 n.P. (0:0,0:1,1:0,0:0,0:1)
Thu., 28 August 2025, 16:00
Austria goalscorer:Artemis Tekin (43rd minute)

Women's U18 squad