Bolzano – HCB Südtirol Alperia secured a 6-3 road victory against the Pioneers Vorarlberg in the ICE Hockey League on Friday evening. With this win, the Bolzano team solidified its lead in the standings. The matchup between the league leader and the last-place team was fiercely contested for long stretches.
The Foxes took an early lead when Bryce Misley capitalized on a rebound in the third minute. Daniel Gellon extended the lead to 2-0 in the 18th minute following a play by the third line. The home team, however, showed fighting spirit and cut the lead in the second period when Blake Murray scored in the 22nd minute.
Decision in the final third
Blake Hillman restored the HCB's two-goal lead in the 38th minute, before Guus van Nes cut the Pioneers' deficit to 2-3 shortly before the second intermission. In the final period, Cristiano Digiacinto scored a decisive two-goal streak in the 51st and 53rd minutes, extending the lead to 5–2. Kristaps Skrastins scored on a power play for the Vorarlberg team, but Brad McClure scored into an empty net in the final second to seal the 6–3 victory.
Coach Karhula was once again able to count on goaltender Louis Domingue, but had to do without defenseman Buono, who returned to Canada for personal reasons. Bolzano’s third and fourth lines put in a strong performance and were involved in five of the six goals.
HCB Südtirol Alperia remains at the top of the standings with 30 points, tied with Linz. The Foxes will face EC KAC on the road on Sunday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on DAZN.
