KAC No Match! Bolzano Claims League Lead

Bolzano Dominates Second Period

After the South Tyroleans initially struggled to find a solution in front of the opposing net in the second 20 minutes, Mantenuto found a way around the half-hour mark (28.). He appeared in front of the KAC netminder, acted calmly, and smoothly slotted in for a 1-0 lead.

KAC barely created any chances and was preoccupied with defending. This worked until the 35th minute. This time, the previously strong-saving Vorauer was beaten, as Kivihalme gave him no chance and extended the lead to 2-0.

Shortly before the break (38th), Bradley made it 3-0. KAC failed to clear the puck from the dangerous zone, allowing the goal scorer to easily find the net.

Flying Start to the Final Period

The final 20 minutes also began in a similar fashion. McClure scored 4-0 on the power play after a fine play (41.).

Subsequently, the visitors recovered and managed to prevent an even higher score.

This marks HCB Südtirol's fifth win in six games. With 16 points, the team takes over the league lead. KAC is one point behind in second place.

VSV Celebrates Goalfest in Home Opener

This was also achieved due to a surprisingly clear 7-2 home victory for VSV over Milano HC.

In front of 2,867 spectators at the "Eagles'" home opener, an even duel initially unfolded. Despite a power play for the hosts after six minutes, no goals were scored in the first period.

In the second period, the game picked up significant pace. After 24 minutes, Nick Caamano put the visitors ahead 1-0, but Paolo Wieltschnig equalized just one minute later.

After that, Villach increasingly took control. Ryan Sproul gave VSV their first lead on the power play in the 35th minute, before Elias Jeronimo Wallenta extended it to 3-1 three minutes later.

Then the Goals Came Thick and Fast

In the final period, the "Eagles" truly turned it on. Joseph Cramarossa scored 4-1 on the power play in the 46th minute, before John Hughes made it 5-1 just two minutes later.

Maximilian Rebernig further extended the lead in the 51st minute, before Samuel Houde scored for Milano to reduce the deficit. Rebernig put the final touch on the 7-2 scoreline in the 54th minute with his second goal of the evening.

VSV thus celebrated a clear home victory. After six games played, Villach has nine points and is currently in eighth place. Milano slips to third place with 15 points.