“I’m really proud of the boys,” said Matt Wilkins after the 4:5/OT defeat of the HC TIWAG Innsbruck against the HCB South Tyrol Alperia last Wednesday. The Haie were down 3-1 going into the final third, but fought their way back into the game only to lose out in overtime. Wilkins, who scored all four HCI goals, said about his performance: “I didn’t do anything different, it was just one of those evenings where a lot works. Hopefully today too.” The Haie are also underdogs against the fourth-placed team today, but Wilkins believes that there is something within them in Bolzano: “I expect a similar, tough, close game. It’s always difficult in Bolzano, the fans are loud and bring a lot of energy. We also have to use this energy and, above all, be ready and focused from the start.”
The Foxes returned to South Tyrol on Wednesday with a win under their belt, but in the end they were not completely satisfied. After all, the HCB had given up a two-goal lead in the final third and could have drawn level with third-place Salzburg in terms of points with a three-pointer. The Bulls, for their part, lost in Budapest. The Foxes are set to win today after 60 minutes. Not only the standings, but also the statistics speak for the people of Bolzano. The last ten derbies (8 x league, 2 x pre-season) went to the South Tyroleans. The Haie were able to celebrate their last victory in the Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano. On New Year’s Day 2024, the Sharks won 4-2.
Before the Olympic break, the Haie have three more games on the program. Next Sunday the Black Wings from Linz come to the TIWAG Arena, followed by an away trip to Graz and Vienna.
HCB Südtirol Alperia – HC TIWAG Innsbruck-The Haie
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 7:45 p.m. – Sparkasse Arena Bozen
hcinnsbruck.at , Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
