Saturday, 17. January 2026 |
Red Bulls vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
In the highlight match of the round, the two teams, currently tied on points, meet with ten rounds remaining in the regular season and will decide who takes third place.
Highlights HCB Südtirol Alperia vs. Red Bulls | 5.1.26
Background
Salzburg and Bolzano will meet for the fourth time this season. The Red Bulls have won twice, the Foxes once. In each of those encounters, the away team prevailed. Just under two weeks ago, the Red Bulls narrowly won the game in Bolzano 2-1 after a penalty shootout. In their final regular-season matchup of the current season, the Red Bulls aim to turn the tables and break the away team's dominance with a home victory. This would be all the more important given that they have already played one more game than Bolzano.
Clearly, another hard-fought, evenly matched contest is expected. Both teams are determined not to give an inch in this rivalry, which has grown fiercely over the past few years, and both have their sights set on second place in the standings, which would guarantee early qualification for the 2026/27 CHL season. The Red Bulls dominated much of yesterday's 5-2 victory in Villach and are therefore well-prepared for the game against Bolzano. The South Tyroleans also arrive in Salzburg with a victory under their belts, having secured three points with a 3-2 home win against Budapest yesterday.
Defense is key
For several weeks, the Red Bulls have been considered the best defense in the league, currently holding the top spot with 78 goals against. Bolzano also knows how to defend, boasting the fourth-best defensive record with 93 goals against. Crucial to their success is their last line of defense. The Red Bulls can rely on a strong goaltending duo. David Kickert currently leads the league with a save percentage of 94.43%, while Atte Tolvanen holds a 91.21% save rate. For comparison, Sam Harvey, who has played in 29 of Bolzano's 37 games, has a save percentage of 90.65%.
Personnel situation
Peter Hochkofler was unwell before yesterday's game against Villach. The forward was immediately examined at the hospital in Villach. No abnormalities were found. He is feeling better, but further tests will be conducted today to confirm his condition. His participation tomorrow against Bolzano depends on these results. Dennis Robertson is also still questionable, while Ali Wukovits continues training for his comeback.
Statement by Philipp Wimmer
"There's always a lot of emotion involved in games against Bolzano because we always have close games against them. And they're always very tough games! We know from experience that good defense leads to good offense. And that's how you win a game. Our system is designed for these kinds of games, and we're ready for Bolzano."
Season Matchup: Red Bulls vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia | 2:1
September 12, 2025 | HCB Südtirol Alperia – EC Red Bull Salzburg 3:4 (1:0, 1:3, 1:1)
October 3, 2025 | EC Red Bull Salzburg – HCB Südtirol Alperia 1:4 (0:1, 0:1, 1:2)
January 5, 2026 | HCB Südtirol Alperia – EC Red Bull Salzburg 1:2 (1:1, 0:0, 0:0) SO
All-Time Record: Red Bulls vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
Since 2013: 94 games | 52 wins for Red Bull Salzburg 42 wins for HCB
Last ten games: W L W W W L W W L W
Last ten home games: W L W L W W W L W L
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg – HCB Südtirol Alperia
Sun, Jan 18, 2026 | Salzburg Ice Arena, 4:30 PM
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