The Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan emerged victorious against the Rittner Buam SkyAlps with a convincing 6-3 win during the much-anticipated derby matchup on January 5, 2025. The clash was not just another game; it was billed as one of the prominent local rivalries within the Alps Hockey League. The match saw the Broncos' forward, James Livingston, steal the spotlight, securing his second hat trick of the season and contributing significantly to his team’s success.
The atmosphere at the Sterzing arena was electric, drawing 638 fans eager to witness this fierce competition. The Broncos got off to a flying start, taking the lead early on with Livingston finding the net during the first period. His first goal came from the power play at the 16-minute mark, quickly turning the tide of the match. Just moments later, Rittner Buam’s Adam Giacomuzzi evened the score, but it was Nottingham's De Lorenzo Meo who pushed the Broncos back to the lead prior to the end of the opening period.
The game continued with high intensity. The Broncos maintained their momentum and extended their lead to 3-1 thanks to Livingston’s skills, who netted his second goal after just six minutes of the second period. Rittner Buam, determined to fight back, responded with goals from Markus Lang and Sera Soracreppa, leveling the score at 3-3 late in the game. The tension was palpable as both teams vied for control.
But just when the Rittner seemed like they might seal the deal, Livingston struck again, registering his third goal and securing the game-winner at the 49th minute. With time winding down, the Rittner Buam were forced to pull their goalie, leading to two empty-net goals by the Broncos, sealing their fate and solidifying the final score 6-3.
Sitting firmly within the playoff contention, the Broncos have now celebrated one of their ten victories over the last twelve games, propelling them to sixth place on the league table. Conversely, this loss marks the end of Rittner Buam’s three-game winning streak and leaves them with the challenge of regrouping as they prepare for their next matches.
On the same day, SIJ Acroni Jesenice continued their winning ways, decisively beating EC Bregenzerwald 4-0, thanks to impressive performances including goaltender Zan Us, who recorded his second shutout of the season. The Jesenice team was strategically powerful, jumping to 3-0 lead by the end of the first period and maintaining control throughout. With this win, they built upon their lead at the top of the league table, distancing themselves five points clear of the nearest rival, Zell am See.
Meanwhile, HC Meran/o Pircher broke their losing streak with a dramatic 4-2 victory over HK RST Pellet Celje. The game took an exciting turn as Meran scored two goals within the last minute of the game, which shocked their opponents. They trailed 1-2 until 49 seconds before the game's conclusion when Riku Ishida equalized, followed by Massimo Pietroniro's game-winner, showing their unwavering determination.
The derby day of January 5, 2025, proved to be pivotal as results reshaped the standings and the moods among teams. For the Wipptal Broncos, this win not only strengthens their playoff prospects but also adds confidence as they continue their battle throughout the Alps Hockey League. The Rittner Buam, on the other hand, will aim to overcome their defeat as they prepare for their next matchup against HC Meran, with both teams also seeking success in the postseason of the IHL Serie A.
Overall, this thrilling day of hockey underscored the excitement of the Alps Hockey League, keeping fans engaged and on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the next round of matches.