The EK Zeller Eisbären celebrated a victory over HDD Jesenice on Tuesday evening and took the lead in the table with the same points as the Red Bull Hockey Juniors. HC Migross Asiago also prevailed against Rittner Buam SkyAlps and is now the fourth permanent quarter-final participant in the Alps Hockey League Playoffs 2026.
Polar bears at the top
The Zeller Eisbären celebrated a hard-fought 4-1 away win at HDD Jesenice. With this success, the EKZ took over the lead in the Alps Hockey League.
The game started with a slight advantage for the home side, but the Eisbären survived an early outnumbered game unscathed and quickly found their way into the game. With the advantage, Nick Huard gave the guests the lead before the EKZ played defensively compactly and Jesenice hardly allowed any clear chances to score. In the second period, Huard increased the lead to 2-0 after a long shift from the first line. Although the Slovenians managed to score the next goal in a five-on-five game, the Zellers continued to present themselves in a stable manner and didn’t allow much in further outnumbered situations.
In the final third, fighting spirit was the trump card: The Eisbären blocked numerous shots, defended consistently and had strong support in goal with Alexander Schmidt. In the hectic final phase, two empty net goals from Wilfan and Widhalm made the decision and the final score 4-1.
With the three points, Zell moved to the top of the table. Note: The Zeller Eisbären are level on points with the Red Bull Hockey Juniors, but are ranked ahead of the Salzburg team due to the better direct duel – which decides the ranking in the final rounds of the regular round and no longer the goal difference.
Asiago punches playoff ticket
HC Migross Asiago is the fourth quarter-finalist of the Alps Hockey League 2026. The yellow-reds prevailed 4-1 in a direct duel with another top 5 contender, the Rittner Buam SkyAlps. However, the guests from South Tyrol initially got off to a better start, taking a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute thanks to a power play goal from Simon Kostner. Asiago equalized in the first period through Magnabosco Aguirre – also in the majority.
From the second period onwards, the hosts finally took control. Goals from Garau and Casetti made the score 3-1 after 40 minutes. Ritten tried to get back into the game again in the final third, but failed several times due to Asiago goalie Rigoni. In the end, Asiago prevailed 4-1, climbed to third place in the table and can no longer be pushed out of the top 5.
Alps Hockey League, Tue, January 27th, 2026:
HDD Jesenice – EK Die Zeller Eisbären 1:4 (0:1, 1:1, 0:2)
Referees: BULOVEC, OREL
Linesmen: Arlic, legatee
Goals JES: Slivnik L. (37:29)
Goals EKZ: Huard N. (10:47/pp), Huard N. (25:28), Wilfan M. (59:32/en), Widhalm L. (59:54)
HC Migross Asiago – Rittner Buam SkyAlps 4:1 (1:1, 2:0, 1:0)
Referees: PINIE, STEFENENELLI
Linesmen: Brondi, Fecchio
Goals HCA: Magnabosco Aguirre J. (12:03/pp), Garau N. (30:54), Casetti L. (37:59), Valentini R. (57:33/en)
Goals RIT: Kostner S. (04:07/pp)
alps.hockey , Image: MATIAS DEMSAR
