After the sensitive defeat against Villach, the next big hurdle is already waiting for the Stahlstadt. The HC Bolzano has well -strengthened the squad in summer and has previously presented itself in impressive form.
After the clear 3: 8 loss on Friday against VSV Reisen, the Stahlstadt residents will already take the next difficult task in Bolzano tomorrow. The South Tyroleans ended the basic round of last season in third place and prevailed 4-2 against Villach in the playoff quarter-finals. In the semifinals, the Foxes finally had to give up the later master from Salzburg. This season, too, the goal is to bring the Karl-Nedwed Trophy to South Tyrol.
In summer, the HCB strengthened with promising offensive forces such as Shane Gersich, Brett Pollock and Cole Schneider. Gersich was under contract with the Iserlohn Roosters in the past season and posted 37 scorer points in 51 games. Schneider dared to jump to Europe for the first time last year and went on points for the Norwegian Storhamar club. The 35-year-old brings plenty of experience from the AHL and six NHL operations. For Storhamar, he collected impressive 64 points in 45 games (33 goals, 31 assists). Also on the defensive, the Foxes secured a very experienced man with Philip Samuelsson. The former NHL defender should stabilize the defense and at the same time set offensive accents. However, after last season, Bolzano also had to say goodbye to some supports: the Hults twins Cole and Mitch moved to the Vienna Capitals, while Mike Halmo ended his active career at the age of 34 and is now also missing in the squad.
In preparation, the team already presented itself in a strong form and won all the Preseason games. In the Champions Hockey League, too, the Foxes convinced under neo-head coach Kurt Kleinendorst and won two of their four encounters. In the current Win2day Ice Hockey League, they only had to surrender to Salzburg in the opening game, the other three games went to the South Tyroleans.
Loose room update
The Steinbach Black Wings struggled against VSV yesterday to find their own game. In all matters, the Upper Austrians were too slow and too far from their opponents in the dangerous zones, which enabled the eagles an early 4-0 lead. When the momentum tilted onto your own side for a short time, it was restored by unnecessary mistakes and inattentiveness. Despite the great backdrop of more than 4,100 visitors. Brian Lebler and Co. had to give their own destinations small with hanging minds. Already after the match, the messed up appearance was open to the cabin. Nevertheless, there is no time to deal with it for too long, the focus is already on the task against Bolzano.
Next week the first double weekend of the new season will increase in Linz AG Eisarena. On Friday, October 3rd, the Stahlstädter welcomes the KAC before they meet the reigning champion from Salzburg on Sunday. Tickets for both games are available online at Tickets.blackwings.at and at the box office.
HCB South Tyrol Alperia – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
📅 Basic round 5: Sunday September 28th, 6:00 p.m., Sparkasse Arena
📺 Livestream: Sporteurope.tv
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