The fifth semi-final games in the Alps Hockey League offered pure excitement. Around 5,600 fans created an atmospheric backdrop in Zell am See and Sisak on Saturday – and experienced two highly dramatic duels. In the end, both HC Gherdëina and KHL Sisak prevailed 4-3 after extra time, after both teams were able to force an equalizer shortly before the end of regular time.
In Zell am See, the hosts dominated much of the first third and took the lead in the ninth minute: During a pressure phase, Rappold scored with a backhand in front of over 2,800 spectators. In the 37th minute, Szypula broke his goal spell and increased the score to 2-0 with his first goal in the semi-final series. But 26 seconds before the end of the third, the guests struck back – after a perfect pass from Vozovik, Moncada shortened the score with a direct shot. Things got even better for Val Gardena: Schiavone equalized in the 45th minute after a quick switch. In the 50th minute, defending champion Zell am See went ahead again with a powerful shot from Lahoda, but the home team could not save their narrow lead over time. 70 seconds before the end of regular time – already with the sixth skater – the puck jumped from the boards directly in front of the EKZ goal, and Moncada ice-cold sank it to make it 3-3. Both teams had chances in extra time, but Val Gardena got stronger and stronger – and Guimond made the difference in the 77th minute with a shot into the far corner.
KHL Sisak also took a 3-2 lead in its semi-final series against HC Meran/o Pircher. The Croatians also won 4-3 after extra time on Saturday evening in front of over 2,700 spectators. After a goalless opening third, Vito Idzan gave the home team the lead in the 27th minute on a pass from Zavrski. Although Sisak largely controlled the middle third, the guests turned the game around: Gellon scored in the 37th minute on the power play after a nice move to make it 1-1, and just 58 seconds later Claesson curled the puck into the top corner. Early in the final third, Lesnicar equalized with a rebound to make it 2-2, but the South Tyroleans hit back – Fuchs also used the guests’ second power play to make it 3-2. In the final phase, Sisak took the goalie off the ice and Larionovs equalized again 52 seconds before the final siren. In the 63rd minute, Kim finally made the hall shake – 4:3 home win.
Val Gardena and Sisak have the chance to reach the final of the Alps Hockey League with another win on Tuesday.
icehl.newsroom Pic: HCG / Matthäus Kostner
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