Zeller Eisbären on the verge of semi-final spot against Bregen­z­er­wald – Kitzbühel facing elim­i­na­tion

Jesenice also won the third quarter-final clash with Cortina. The Slovenians claimed a convincing 7:2 home victory on Thursday and are now just one win away from reaching the semi-finals. Anze Prostor opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with the Slovenians leading 3:0 at the end of the first period. After the restart, the hosts extended their lead to 6:0, with Gregor Koblar's brace effectively deciding the game. The Italians scored twice in the third period, but will be playing to keep their season alive on Saturday.

In front of more than 2.000 spectators, EK Zeller Eisbären celebrated a 3:1 home win over EC Bregenzerwald. The hosts took an early lead through a power-play goal from captain Hubert Berger, but Jimi Kuronen equalised before the first intermission. Zell am See once again lived up to their favourites' status, however, as Tobias Piuk (37.) and Kilian Rappold (42.) secured the home victory. The Pinzgau side moved 3:0 ahead in the best-of-7 quarter-final series and can reach the semi-finals on Sunday.

Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan also won their second away game in Kitzbühel. Goals from Connor Sanvido and Thomas Galimberti gave Sterzing a 2:0 lead at the first intermission. The Tyroleans turned the game around with three goals in the middle period, but the South Tyroleans responded against the higher-seeded hosts. Within 51 seconds, the Broncos regained the lead, before Nick Campoli sealed the 5:3 final score. Sterzing, who only qualified for the quarter-finals on the third matchday of the pre-play-offs, lead the series 3:0 and can now progress to the next round on home ice.

HC Meran/o Pircher, meanwhile, reduced the deficit in the quarter-final series against Rittner Buam SkyAlps. After two defeats, the Eagles won 4:3 away from home. The visitors led 3:0 after two periods thanks to a brace from Massimo Pietroniro and a goal from Madsen. After Ritten scored for the first time, Daniel Gellon restored the three-goal lead. The reigning AHL champions applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages and got within one goal, but could not manage any more on the night.

Alps Hockey League – Quarter-finals:

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. EC Bregenzerwald 3:1 (1:1,1:0,1:0)
>> Goalscorers and statistics
Series score in the best-of-7 series: 3:0

Rittner Buam SkyAlps vs. HC Meran/o Pircher 3:4 (0:1,0:2,3:1)
>> Goalscorers and statistics
Series score in the best-of-7 series: 2:1

Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel vs. Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan 3:5 (0:2,3:0,0:3)
>> Goalscorers and statistics
Series score in the best-of-7 series: 0:3

SIJ Acroni Jesenice vs. S.G. Cortina Hafro 7:2 (3:0,3:0,1:2)
>> Goalscorers and statistics
Series score in the best-of-7 series: 3:0