Wins for league leaders Zeller Eisbären and Adler Kitzbühel in the Alps Hockey League

League leaders EK Die Zeller Eisbären retained top spot in the top-of-the-table clash against SIJ Acroni Jesenice with an impressive 4:1 home win. Philip Putnik was the match-winner, laying the foundations for victory with a brace in the second period.

Another goal shortly before the period break put the Slovenians further behind. Despite a goal back from Gregor Koplar in the final period, Jesenice were unable to turn the game around. An empty-net goal from the Eisbären sealed their victory and their hold on top spot.

Bottom side Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan caused a major upset by beating third-placed KHL Sisak 6:5 at home. After a level 2:2 first period, the Croatians appeared to pull away with three goals, but the Broncos fought back impressively. They turned the game in their favour with three consecutive goals in the final period. James Livingston and Connor Sanvido each shone with two goals, while Ivan Puzic scored twice for Sisak.

Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel celebrated an important 4:1 away win at HC Gherdeina valgardena.it to secure second place in the standings. A strong first-period performance laid the foundations for the Adler, while the hosts' only response came in the second period. Christopher Schutz scored a brace and played a key role in the Tyroleans' success.

With a narrow but deserved 1:0 home win over EC Bregenzerwald, Hockey Unterland Cavaliers moved up to sixth place in the standings. Michael Peter Sullmann Pilsner scored the game's only goal early on, while goaltender Tizian Giovanelli impressed with his first shutout of the season.

Rittner Buam SkyAlps impressed with a commanding 7:1 home win over HK RST Pellet Celje. After a level first period (1:1), the South Tyroleans stepped up a gear and scored six unanswered goals. Diego Cuglietta starred with a hat-trick, leading his team to an emphatic victory.

HC Meran/o Pircher prevailed 3:2 over Red Bull Hockey Juniors in a hard-fought contest. After falling behind early, the South Tyroleans equalised while shorthanded and decided the game with two goals in the final period. Salzburg's goal back six minutes from time added further tension, but Meran defended their lead to secure an important home win.

Alps Hockey League:

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. SIJ Acroni Jesenice 4:1 (0:0,3:0,1:1)

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Hockey Unterland Cavaliers vs. EC Bregenzerwald 1:0 (1:0,0:0,0:0)
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Rittner Buam SkyAlps vs. HK RST Pellet Celje 7:1 (1:1,3:0,3:0)
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Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan vs. KHL Sisak 6:5 (2:2,1:3,3:0)
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HC Gherdeina valgardena.it vs. Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel 1:4 (0:2,1:1,0:1)
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HC Meran/o Pircher vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors 3:2 (0:1,1:0,2:1)
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