Defending champions EK Die Zeller Eisbären had to fight hard against semi-final debutants HC Gherdeina valgardena.it in the opening game of the series, but in the end they narrowly prevailed 2-1 after extra time. The guests from South Tyrol led until the 57th minute before Christian Jennes equalized. In overtime it only took 53 seconds for Nick Huard to score the Pinzgauer series lead.
An extremely close and exciting game in front of over 2,000 fans in the KE KELIT Arena Zell am See started perfectly for the semi-final debutant from Val Gardena, who took the lead in the ninth minute on a power play through Luke Moncada. The South Tyroleans took advantage of their only power play of the entire encounter.
The Eisbären had two opportunities to gain advantage in regular time, but were unable to capitalize on them. In overtime they were promptly successful in the power play. Previously, the defensive lines and goalkeepers of both teams dominated the game for long stretches of the game.
Ultimately, Val Gardena was only 192 seconds away from a perfect start to the semi-final before Christian Jennes scored 1-1 in the 57th minute following an assist from Max Wilfan, thus forcing extra time. In this, Val Gardena striker Stephan Deluca had to go to the penalty box after 38 seconds. Just 15 seconds later, it was Nick Huard who scored to make it 2-1 for Zell am See and give the home team their opening win. The semi-final series continues on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Val Gardena.
Alps Hockey League:
Thu, March 26, 2026:
EK Die Zeller Eisbären – HC Gherdeina valgardena.it 2:1/OT (0:1, 0:0, 1:0, 1:0)
Referees: LAZZERI, WINKLER, Brondi, Strimitzer
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 1-0
Goals EKZ: 1:1 Jennes C. (57th), 2:1 Huard N. (61st/PP1)
Goal GHE: 0:1 Moncada L. (9./PP1)
www.alps.hockey, Pic: EKZ / Johannes Radlwimmer
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