Zell am See extend winning streak in derby against Adler Kitzbühel

EK Zeller Eisbären also won their fourth Master Round game, with the side from Pinzgau extending their lead at the top of the table with a 3:0 derby victory over Kitzbühel. In front of more than 2.200 spectators, Max Stiegler gave the home side the lead, and it remained 1:0 until the break. Anthony DeLuca of the visitors received a game misconduct penalty at the end of the period. After the restart, Zell am See were unable to capitalise on the power play, but captain Hubert Berger scored shorthanded for 2:0 in the 32nd minute. Philip Putnik sealed the win in the third period, while EKZ goaltender Max Zimmermann recorded his fifth shutout of the season with 25 saves.

After two defeats, Hafro Cortina Hockey celebrated their first win of the intermediate round. The Italian champions recorded a 4:0 victory over Jesenice. Leonardo Felicetti scored the early opener, before the home side extended their lead to 2:0 in the middle period. Although the Slovenians improved in the third period, Cortina scored the goals. Sandro Lancedelli also recorded his first shutout of the season with 25 saves.

In Qualification Round A, Meran also won their fourth game. The South Tyroleans beat Red Bull Hockey Juniors 3:2 after overtime. Pascal Brunner scored the only goal of the first period, and it remained 1:0 until the 48th minute, when Massimo Pietroniro doubled the lead. However, the visitors fought back and equalised through Adrian Gesson with six skaters on the ice. Patrick Tomasini secured the bonus point for the home side in overtime.

More than 1.100 fans attended the derby between Gröden and Sterzing, with the visitors prevailing 5:3 in the end. Adam Capannelli gave the Broncos an early lead with two goals. The response was followed by another two-goal performance from Connor Sanvido, giving the Wipptal side a clear lead. However, the game became exciting again when Gröden forward Emil Oksanen also scored twice. Capannelli ultimately completed his hat-trick to seal the result, securing Sterzing a place in the Pre-Playoffs.

KHL Sisak took over the lead in Qualification Round B. The Croatians beat Unterland 4:1. After a scoreless first period, Vito Idzan gave the home side the lead on the power play. Although the Cavaliers equalised immediately through Nicolo Remolato, Sisak restored their lead to 2:1 before the second intermission. Two empty-net goals ultimately sealed the win. The South Tyroleans are already four points behind a Pre-Playoff place.

EC Bregenzerwald also secured their third win in their third intermediate-round game. Following their 4:1 home victory over Celje, the Vorarlberg side are now in second place. Although the Slovenians took the lead on a two-man advantage, two goals from Roberts Lipsbergs turned the game in favour of the home side in the first period. The score remained close until the third period, when Bregenzerwald ultimately put the game beyond doubt.

Alps Hockey League:

Master Round:

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel 3:0 (1:0,1:0,1:0)
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S.G. Cortina Hafro vs. SIJ Acroni Jesenice 4:0 (1:0,1:0,2:0)
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Qualification Round A:

HC Gherdeina valgardena.it vs. Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan 3:5 (0:2,1:2,2:1)
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HC Meran/o Pircher vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors 3:2 n.V. (1:0,0:0,1:2,1:0)
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Qualification Round B:

EC Bregenzerwald vs. HK RST Pellet Celje 4:1 (2:1,0:0,2:0)
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KHL Sisak vs. Hockey Unterland Cavaliers 4:1 (0:0,2:1,2:0)
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