Big hockey evening at the Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano. The HCB South Tyrol Alperia again wins the South Tyrol Summer Classic by Sparkasse and prevails 2-0 against Skoda Plzen in the final: Gersich scores the decisive goal, followed by Marchetti’s Empty-Net goal shortly before the end. An evening to frame for Gianluca Vallini, who became a true nightmare for the Czechs and shone with a shutout. The white-red had last won the trophy in the first edition in 2019. Now Bolzano has a few days before going to Scandinavia, where the start of the Champions Hockey League is coming up next weekend: Friday evening in Gothenburg and Sunday in Rauma.
The course of the game: Coach Kurt Kleinendorst relies on the same lineup as the previous day, with the exception of the goalkeeper: Gianluca Vallini stands between the posts. Furthermore, Mantenuto is missing, who is spared as a precaution with a small foot problem.
Plans determine the game in the early minutes and immediately puts Vallini under pressure, which, however, does not burn anything. In the first offensive campaign, the white and red have the huge chance to lead: Pollock puts on Digiacinto, but this only hits the outside network from a short distance. A power play also remains unused, Ruzicka in the box’s box holds strong. Towards the end of the first third, the Czechs press again: Vallini parries twice against Mechura, then gersich grants the lead by Rebound. After 20 minutes it remains 0-0.
In the second third, the Foxes first come under pressure, plz holds the puck in the offensive zone over long phases. But the hosts move closely to their goalkeeper, Vallini shows several Saves several times. Bolzano gets clear chances in quick counterattacks: McClure forces Ruzicka to a reflex parade, shortly afterwards Gersich checks the Czech goalie. After a powder play assigned on both sides, the Foxes strike in the 35th minute: Gazley plays Gersich Frei, who pulls out of the slot directly and this time hits the net. Plzen tries to react in the overpowering game, but Vallini is on the spot when shot from Holesinksy. In the final seconds of the third, the Foxes themselves have a power play: McClure fails again on Ruzicka, which prevents a second goal.
In the final section, plans further increases the pressure. However, the defense of the Foxes can withstand, even if it becomes tight again at the end. In the outnumber, Frigo only awards the huge chance to 2-0 on his own, shortly afterwards Frank only hits the post in one-on-one. In between, the Czechs fail again and again in the best form. 6 seconds before the siren, Marchetti ensures the final score of 2: 0 with an Empty-Nette.
HCB South Tyrol Alperia-Skoda plz 2: 0 (0-0; 1-0; 1-0)
Goals: 34:13 Shane Gersich (1: 0); 59:54 Michele Marchetti en (2-0)
Referee: Giacomozzi, Lazzari / Brondi, Rivis
Spectators: 2,047
Kloten secures third place
In the afternoon game, the Swiss of the EHC Kloten defeated the Nuremberg Icetigers 1-0 and ended the tournament in third place. The game was at a more leisurely pace and offered only a few chances: Petteri Puhakka scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute. In the goal, the Italian national goalkeeper Davide Fadani shone with a shutout.
Nuremberg Icetigers-EHC Kloten 0: 1 (0-0; 0-0; 0-1)
Goals: 42:32 Petteri Puhakka (0: 1)
Referee: Piras, Moschen / Grisenti, Abeltino
Spectators: 320
Closing table South Tyrol Summer Classic by Sparkasse
- HCB South Tyrol Alperia
- Skoda plz
- EHC Kloten
- Nuremberg Icetigers
www.hcb.net, Pic: HC Bolzano
