Tag: ICEHL

Feichtinger Condemns Disorder at HC Milano Opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Christian Feichtinger has condemned the disorder that accompanied HC Milano’s first game at the newly completed Fiera Ice Arena against HCB Südtirol Alperia.

The ICEHL meeting drew a capacity crowd of 3,750 and marked Milano’s home opener in their new building. Milano lost the game in overtime and remain without a win in four matches.

Away from the rink, a bus carrying Bozen supporters was attacked by Milano ultras. A window was broken, although no injuries were reported. Four people were arrested and were reportedly linked to the home side.

Feichtinger praised the atmosphere inside the arena but made clear that the league would not tolerate the incidents around the high-risk fixture.

Key Facts

  • Christian Feichtinger said the 3,750-strong crowd created an unforgettable atmosphere at HC Milano’s Fiera Ice Arena opener.
  • HC Milano’s first game in the newly completed arena ended in an overtime defeat to HCB Südtirol Alperia.
  • Milano have now gone four matches without a win.
  • A bus carrying Bozen supporters was attacked, with a window broken but no injuries reported.
  • Four people were arrested and were reportedly associated with the home side.
  • Feichtinger said the club was not responsible for the incident, adding that it had prepared thoroughly and that around 200 police officers were present.

IHM Discussion

The occasion carried clear significance for Milano: a full arena and an overtime game against Bozen gave the club a prominent first night in its new home. Feichtinger’s account separates that on-ice and in-arena experience from the disorder outside.

His strongest message concerned consequences for those involved. “We do not want people like that,”Feichtinger said, adding that they would not be allowed back inside an arena for a very long time. The league chief also stressed that the circumstances which allowed the attack to happen remain under investigation.

For Milano, the immediate hockey picture is more straightforward. The new venue has opened, but the team is still looking for its first victory after four games.

Why It Matters

A new arena opener is a major public moment for any club, particularly with a sell-out crowd and a local opponent such as Bozen. The reported attack on travelling supporters risks overshadowing what was otherwise a significant night for HC Milano.

Feichtinger’s public condemnation establishes the league’s position while the circumstances are investigated. His defence of the club is also specific: he said Milano had prepared well, rather than suggesting that the incident should be treated as a failure by the organisation.

Mini Q&A

What happened outside HC Milano’s arena?

A bus carrying Bozen supporters was attacked by Milano ultras. A window was broken, no injuries were reported, and four people were arrested.

What was the result of Milano’s arena opener?

HC Milano lost to HCB Südtirol Alperia in overtime, extending their winless run to four matches.

How did Christian Feichtinger respond?

Feichtinger condemned the disorder, said those involved were not wanted in arenas, and said Milano had prepared thoroughly for the high-risk fixture.

What Comes Next

The circumstances surrounding the attack on the Bozen supporters’ bus remain under investigation.

Elias Wallenta open to a future Swiss move from VSV

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Elias Wallenta has acknowledged an interest in playing in Switzerland in the future, although the VSV forward says no transfer has been discussed.

Wallenta, who recently extended his Villach contract by a further two seasons, holds a Swiss licence and would therefore not count against a Swiss club’s import quota. The forward said he would like to play there one day and would be prepared for such a move, but stressed that a switch is not currently on the table.

The immediate focus remains VSV. Wallenta has five goals, sharing the team lead with John Hughes, and has scored four times across his past four games.

Key Facts

  • Elias Wallenta has said he would like to play in Switzerland one day, while making clear that a move has not been discussed.
  • Wallenta signed a two-season contract extension with VSV in April.
  • The VSV forward holds a Swiss licence, meaning he would not count against a Swiss club’s import quota.
  • Wallenta has five goals and shares VSV’s team lead with John Hughes.
  • He has scored four goals in his past four games.
  • VSV are due to host Graz on Friday before three further home fixtures at Stadthalle Villach.

IHM Discussion

This is interest rather than an active transfer. Wallenta’s comments create a clear long-term possibility, but his statement that no move has been discussed is the important present-tense detail.

His Swiss licence is relevant because it could make him administratively attractive to clubs in Switzerland, where import places are limited. That status does not confirm contact with another club or signal an imminent departure from Villach. VSV also have Wallenta under contract following his April extension.

For now, his form is the stronger on-ice story. Sharing the team scoring lead and producing four goals in four games gives VSV a forward arriving at the coming home stretch with tangible output.

Why It Matters

Wallenta’s eligibility status adds context to his willingness to consider Switzerland, but VSV retain a contracted player who says a transfer has not been discussed. Any future move would therefore remain a possibility rather than a completed or pending transaction.

Mini Q&A

Has Elias Wallenta agreed to leave VSV?

No. Wallenta says a transfer has not been discussed, despite his interest in playing in Switzerland in the future.

Why could Wallenta be of interest to Swiss clubs?

He holds a Swiss licence and would not count against a Swiss club’s import quota.

What is Wallenta’s current form?

He has five goals, level with John Hughes for VSV’s team lead, and has scored four times in his past four games.

What Comes Next

VSV host Graz on Friday, followed by three more games at Stadthalle Villach.

Pioneers lose Immonen and Allen to injuries

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Pioneers Vorarlberg are facing fresh injury uncertainty after Finnish players Ville Immonen and Roni Allen were both forced to leave Sunday’s game against Steinbach Black Wings Linz early.

The extent of the injuries and potential absences for Immonen and Allen have not been confirmed. Their setbacks came as Vorarlberg lost 4-1 to Linz, shortly after collecting their first point of the 2026-27 ICEHL season.

Pioneers earned that point by taking KAC to a shootout, where they were beaten. After 10 games, the team have one point and now face a demanding sequence of away fixtures.

Key Facts

  • Ville Immonen and Roni Allen both left Pioneers Vorarlberg’s game against Steinbach Black Wings Linz early because of injuries.
  • The length of Immonen’s and Allen’s absences is not yet known.
  • Pioneers Vorarlberg lost 4-1 against Steinbach Black Wings Linz.
  • Vorarlberg have one point from 10 games in the 2026-27 ICEHL season.
  • Pioneers secured their first point by reaching a shootout against KAC, but lost the shootout.

IHM Discussion

The immediate concern for Pioneers is the uncertainty around two players at once rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Immonen and Allen were both unable to finish the Linz game, leaving the club to monitor their condition before a busy run of travel.

Vorarlberg’s schedule takes them to Budapest on Friday and Vienna the following day. They then travel to Bruneck on 21 October before returning home two days later. With only one point collected from their opening 10 matches, the club will want clarity on the availability of both Finnish players as quickly as possible.

Why It Matters

Pioneers are already trying to build on the point earned against KAC while navigating a difficult early-season record. Potential absences for Immonen and Allen would arrive immediately before four games in a short period, including three away dates.

Mini Q&A

Which Pioneers players were injured against Linz?

Finnish players Ville Immonen and Roni Allen were both forced to leave the game early because of injuries.

When are Pioneers Vorarlberg next in action?

They are due to play in Budapest on Friday, followed by a game in Vienna the next day.

What Comes Next

The next checkpoint is Pioneers Vorarlberg’s road game in Budapest on Friday.

Quinn Wichers Earns ICEHL Extension After Tryout

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Quinn Wichers has earned an extension with the Haie after joining the ICEHL club on a trial basis in mid-August.

The 1.93m Canadian defenceman has made nine win2day ICE Hockey League appearances so far, recording one assist. His continued stay follows a run of performances built less on production than on a clearly defined defensive role.

Wichers has supplied physical presence in the Haie’s own end, blocked shots and competed hard in one-on-one situations. He has also become an important part of the club’s penalty kill, according to head coach Ryan Kinasewich.

Kinasewich said Wichers’ value is most apparent in defensive-zone work rather than on the scoresheet. The coach added that the defenceman has made a significant contribution as the Haie have conceded markedly fewer goals this season than they did last year.

Key Facts

  • Quinn Wichers joined the Haie on a tryout basis in mid-August and has now earned a continued deal.
  • The Canadian defenceman stands 1.93m tall.
  • Wichers has played nine win2day ICE Hockey League games and registered one assist.
  • His role has centred on defensive-zone work, physical play, shot blocking and penalty killing.
  • Head coach Ryan Kinasewich described Wichers as an important part of the Haie defence, particularly when shorthanded.

IHM Discussion

This is a straightforward reward for a player whose contribution has been defined by repeatable defensive details. Wichers has not been asked to drive the attack; instead, he has established himself through work in the own zone, willingness to block shots and reliability during penalty-killing situations.

Those traits can be especially valuable over a season because they give a coaching staff a specialist option for defensive shifts. Kinasewich’s comments make clear that Wichers’ role is not being measured chiefly by his one assist, but by the standard of his work away from the puck and his fit within the team structure.

Why It Matters

The extension keeps a physical defensive option with the Haie after he used his trial period to demonstrate a defined role. Wichers’ penalty-killing work is particularly notable, as Kinasewich has linked his defensive contribution to the club’s reduced goals against compared with last season.

Mini Q&A

Why did Quinn Wichers earn an extension with the Haie?

He impressed during his trial through defensive-zone work, physicality, shot blocking and penalty killing.

What has Wichers produced in the ICEHL this season?

He has made nine league appearances and recorded one assist.

Milano and Bolzano condemn post-game disorder

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Milano Hockey Club and HCB Alto Adige Alperia have jointly condemned disorder that occurred after their game on Sunday, 11 October, at the Fiera Ice Arena in Rho.

The clubs said the incidents took place outside the arena, on public roads around the exhibition grounds. Christof Leitner, president of Milano HC, said those responsible had been identified, formal complaints had been filed with the relevant authorities and the individuals involved had received stadium bans.

The match marked the first meeting between Milan and Bolzano in almost 14 years and drew 4,000 spectators. Both clubs stressed that their rivalry must remain confined to sporting competition and that violence, intimidation and disrespectful conduct have no place in or around hockey venues.

Key Facts

  • Milano Hockey Club and HCB Alto Adige Alperia condemned incidents following their game on Sunday, 11 October, at the Fiera Ice Arena in Rho.
  • Milano HC president Christof Leitner said no incidents or problems were reported inside the arena.
  • Leitner said the disorder occurred outside the venue, on public roads around the exhibition grounds.
  • According to Leitner, the people responsible were identified, formal complaints were submitted to the relevant authorities and those involved received stadium bans.
  • The Milan-Bolzano fixture was their first meeting in almost 14 years and attracted 4,000 spectators.
  • Both clubs said they would continue to promote a fan culture based on passion, mutual respect and the shared values of ice hockey.

IHM Discussion

The joint response places the emphasis on separating a well-attended hockey occasion from the conduct of a small group outside the venue. Milano and Bolzano highlighted the atmosphere created by the majority of supporters while making clear that the rivalry cannot extend into violence or intimidation.

Leitner’s statement also draws an important distinction between arena operations and what happened on surrounding public roads. His comments state that Milano had planned and implemented security measures inside the building, where no problems were reported, while the reported incidents occurred beyond the arena perimeter.

The identified individuals and stadium bans give the clubs’ response a concrete disciplinary element. Formal complaints to the authorities mean the matter has also moved beyond an internal club statement.

Why It Matters

The fixture carried added significance as Milan and Bolzano met again after a gap of almost 14 years. The clubs are seeking to protect that sporting occasion, and the 4,000-strong attendance, from being defined by behaviour they describe as unacceptable.

For ICEHL venues, the statement underlines a basic standard: intense rivalry is part of the game, but supporter conduct must remain safe and respectful for spectators, players and staff.

Mini Q&A

Where did the reported incidents take place?

Christof Leitner said they occurred outside the Fiera Ice Arena, on public roads around the exhibition grounds in Rho.

What action did Milano HC say had been taken?

Leitner said the responsible individuals had been identified, formal complaints had been filed with the relevant authorities and those involved had received stadium bans.

Were there reported problems inside the arena?

No. Leitner said no incidents or problems were reported inside the arena.

What Comes Next

Milano HC and HCB Alto Adige Alperia have said they will continue working for a supporter culture founded on passion, mutual respect and ice hockey’s shared values. The clubs have also stated that they maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards violence, intimidation and other unacceptable behaviour.

IHM Final View

Milano and Bolzano have delivered a united response: the return of this rivalry should be remembered for the hockey and the atmosphere inside the arena, not for disorder outside it. With those involved identified and banned from the stadium, the clubs have set out their position clearly.

Dylan Wells set for short Black Wings Linz absence

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Steinbach Black Wings Linz are set to be without first-choice goaltender Dylan Wells for one to two weeks after he sustained a lower-body injury against HC Falkensteiner Pustertal.

Wells, a Canadian who joined Linz during the summer, finished that game despite the injury. His absence has already opened the door for 21-year-old Martin Reder, who was in goal in Feldkirch and recorded his second victory at the highest domestic level.

Linz sit second in the ICEHL table after 10 games, with 21 points from seven wins. Leaders Bozen have the same points total but have played one game fewer. Wells featured in five of Linz’s seven victories before his injury.

Reder is expected to receive substantial ice time while Wells is unavailable. Linz have seven competitive fixtures remaining before the first international break, which begins after their away game in Klagenfurt on 1 November.

Key Facts

  • Dylan Wells suffered a lower-body injury in the game against HC Falkensteiner Pustertal but completed the match.
  • Wells is expected to be absent for one to two weeks.
  • Martin Reder, 21, earned his second win at the highest domestic level after taking over in goal in Feldkirch.
  • Black Wings Linz are second in the ICEHL on 21 points after 10 games; Bozen have the same total from one fewer match.
  • Linz face seven competitive games before the international break, including away fixtures in Salzburg and Bozen next weekend.

IHM Discussion

The timing gives Linz a short but demanding goaltending adjustment during a strong opening stretch. Wells has been involved in five of the club’s seven wins, while Reder now has an immediate opportunity to carry a larger workload.

The next weekend’s away games in Salzburg and Bozen stand out in the schedule, particularly with Bozen level on points at the top of the table. Linz’s situation is not a long-term absence on the information available, but the club will need to navigate a busy run before the November break without Wells.

Why It Matters

Linz have made a productive start to the ICEHL campaign, and the loss of their regular netminder arrives with the club near the summit. Reder’s increased role will coincide with seven fixtures before the international break, making Wells’s short-term recovery timetable a significant personnel issue for the team.

Mini Q&A

How long is Dylan Wells expected to be out?

Wells is expected to miss one to two weeks with a lower-body injury.

Who is covering for Wells in the Linz goal?

Twenty-one-year-old Martin Reder has taken on the role, having earned his second win at the highest domestic level in Feldkirch.

What Comes Next

Linz are due to play away against Salzburg and Bozen next weekend, with a further seven competitive fixtures scheduled before the international break after the 1 November trip to Klagenfurt. Wells’s availability over the stated one-to-two-week period will be the key injury checkpoint.

Thomas Vallant poised for VSV return on Friday

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Thomas Vallant is reportedly closing in on a return to the EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV line-up on Friday.

The 30-year-old defenceman could make his first appearance of the 2026-27 season when VSV face the reigning champion in their first meeting of the campaign. Vallant, a Wolfsberg-born player, has 530 ICE appearances of experience.

VSV have won four of their opening nine games and sit 10th in the table, although fifth place is only three points away. They collected three points last weekend through an overtime win over Bozen and an overtime defeat in Innsbruck.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Vallant is reportedly set for a possible return to the EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV line-up on Friday.
  • The 30-year-old defenceman could make his first appearance of the 2026-27 season.
  • Vallant has played 530 ICE games.
  • VSV have won four of their first nine games and are 10th in the table, three points behind fifth place.
  • VSV took three points last weekend, beating Bozen in overtime before losing in overtime at Innsbruck.
  • Friday’s fixture is VSV’s first meeting of the season with the reigning champion.

IHM Discussion

Vallant’s potential return comes at a useful point for VSV after a steady opening following a turbulent pre-season period. The club’s position in 10th leaves little margin in a compressed part of the table, but the gap to fifth shows that a short positive run could quickly change the picture.

The immediate focus is the Friday fixture. Vallant’s ICE experience gives VSV an established option on defence if he is restored to the line-up, while the match also presents the club with its first test of the season against the current champion.

Why It Matters

VSV’s next game carries significance both as a first meeting with the reigning champion and as a possible return point for Vallant. His availability would add an experienced defenceman to the group at a time when every point has importance in the early table.

Mini Q&A

When could Thomas Vallant return for VSV?

He is reportedly in line to return on Friday, when VSV face the reigning champion.

How has VSV started the ICE season?

VSV have won four of nine games, sit 10th, and are three points behind fifth place.

How much ICE experience does Vallant have?

The 30-year-old defenceman has played 530 ICE games.

Black Wings Linz extend run with 4-1 victory

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Steinbach Black Wings Linz kept their winning streak alive with a 4-1 victory away to Pioneers Vorarlberg in ICEHL action.

Linz broke a scoreless deadlock early in the second period and scored four unanswered goals before the interval. Philipp Wimmer opened the scoring at 22:21, while Brady Shaw struck twice and Kyle Topping also found the net. Pioneers Vorarlberg scored the only goal of the third period through Jesse Seppälä, but Linz saw out the 4-1 result.

Key Facts

  • Steinbach Black Wings Linz won 4-1 against Pioneers Vorarlberg.
  • The score was 0-0 after the first period, 0-4 after the second and 1-0 to Pioneers Vorarlberg in the third.
  • Philipp Wimmer opened the scoring for Linz at 22:21 of the second period, assisted by Oskar Maier and Brian Lebler.
  • Brady Shaw scored at 33:03 with assists from Brian Lebler and Graham Knott, then added an unassisted goal at 37:56.
  • Kyle Topping made it 3-0 at 36:21, assisted by Trenton Bliss and Oskar Maier.
  • Jesse Seppälä scored Pioneers Vorarlberg’s goal at 47:55 of the third period, assisted by Brycen Martin and Marcus Kallionkieli.

IHM Discussion

The decisive passage came in the second period, when Linz turned a goalless opening 20 minutes into a four-goal advantage. Wimmer’s opener was followed by Shaw’s first goal, Topping’s finish and Shaw’s second in the space of just over 15 minutes.

That stretch gave Linz a margin which Pioneers Vorarlberg could not overturn. Seppälä’s third-period goal prevented a shut-out, but it did not alter the outcome as Linz extended their run of victories.

Why It Matters

The result maintains momentum for Steinbach Black Wings Linz and underlines the value of their second-period scoring burst in this match. Shaw supplied two of the four Linz goals, while Lebler and Maier each recorded two assists.

For Pioneers Vorarlberg, the third-period response produced a goal but came after Linz had already built a commanding lead.

VSV bring special-teams momentum to Innsbruck

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV face HC Innsbruck in the win2day ICE Hockey League on Sunday, with the puck drop scheduled for 17:30 at the TIWAG Arena.

Villach make the trip after a hard-fought 4-3 overtime victory over league leaders HC Bozen. That result gave the Adler two wins from their past three games and six points from a possible nine, while also underlining a sharp recent improvement on special teams.

VSV sit eighth after eight matches on 12 points, having recorded three regulation wins, three regulation defeats, one overtime win and one overtime loss. HC Innsbruck are 11th on 11 points from nine games. The visitors will be without Thomas Vallant and Swedish forward Linus Andersson.

Key Facts

  • EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV play away to HC Innsbruck at 17:30 on Sunday, at the TIWAG Arena.
  • VSV’s previous game ended in a 4-3 overtime win against league-leading HC Bozen.
  • Villach are eighth with 12 points from eight games, with 23 goals scored and 25 conceded.
  • HC Innsbruck are 11th with 11 points from nine games, scoring 22 goals and conceding 26.
  • VSV have scored eight power-play goals from 31 opportunities, a 25.81 per cent conversion rate that ranks fifth in the league.
  • Over their past 11 power plays, VSV have scored six times; their penalty kill has allowed seven goals in 35 shorthanded situations for an 80 per cent success rate.
  • VSV have won seven of the past 10 meetings with Innsbruck, although they have not won on either of their previous two visits to Innsbruck.
  • Thomas Vallant remains unavailable as he continues his individual rehabilitation plan, while Linus Andersson is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in Wednesday training.

IHM Discussion

The standings make this a close early-season meeting. VSV hold a one-point advantage despite having played one game fewer than Innsbruck, so the fixture carries immediate significance around the middle of the table without requiring either side to look beyond the next 60 minutes.

The clearest recent VSV trend is the special teams. Three power-play goals against Bozen lifted their season conversion rate to 25.81 per cent, while six goals in 11 recent opportunities show how productive that unit has been over a shorter stretch. Their penalty kill has also been reliable across 35 situations, ranking sixth in the league at 80 per cent.

That does not erase the importance of five-on-five work. VSV’s 23-25 goals record shows a negative goal difference despite their 12-point return, and Innsbruck’s 22-26 mark is similarly narrow. The meeting therefore brings together two sides whose results have often been decided by manageable margins rather than a wide separation in output.

Why It Matters

VSV can build on a positive three-game points return, but they do so with a shortened forward group following Andersson’s injury and Vallant’s continued absence. The special teams have supplied a meaningful share of their recent success, making discipline and execution with the man advantage particularly important elements of their current form.

The recent head-to-head record favours Villach, with seven wins in the past 10 encounters. However, their last two trips to Innsbruck ended without a win. VSV’s most recent victory in Innsbruck came on 28 December 2024, when Alex Wall scored the overtime winner in a 5-4 result.

Mini Q&A

What is VSV’s recent power-play record?

VSV have scored eight goals from 31 power-play opportunities this season. Six of those goals have come in their past 11 opportunities.

Which VSV players are unavailable against Innsbruck?

Thomas Vallant remains unavailable while continuing his rehabilitation plan, and Linus Andersson is out with a lower-body injury sustained in Wednesday training.

How have VSV fared recently against HC Innsbruck?

VSV have won seven of the past 10 meetings, but have gone winless in their previous two away games in Innsbruck.

What Comes Next

VSV’s next stated checkpoint is Sunday’s 17:30 face-off against HC Innsbruck at the TIWAG Arena. The availability of Vallant and Andersson will remain unchanged for this fixture, with both listed as unavailable.

IHM Final View

VSV arrive in Innsbruck with recent results and special-teams numbers moving in the right direction. Their task is to translate that form into a stronger road performance against an Innsbruck side sitting only one point behind them in the standings.

VSV lose Linus Andersson for up to six weeks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV will be without Swedish winger Linus Andersson for four to six weeks after he sustained a thigh muscle tear in training.

The 27-year-old missed VSV’s 4-3 overtime win over HCB Südtirol Alperia, a result which marked the club’s fourth victory of the season. Thomas Vallant was also unavailable, having not yet recovered from an existing fitness issue.

Andersson has played seven games this season and recorded one point.

Key Facts

  • Linus Andersson suffered a thigh muscle tear in training.
  • The 27-year-old Swedish winger is expected to be absent for four to six weeks.
  • Andersson has played seven games this season, producing one point.
  • EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV beat HCB Südtirol Alperia 4-3 in overtime.
  • Thomas Vallant was also unavailable, with no timetable stated for his return to regular action.

IHM Discussion

VSV’s overtime win over HCB Südtirol Alperia came despite the absence of both Andersson and Vallant. The result offered a positive response on the ice, but Andersson’s confirmed lay-off removes a winger from the group for a significant stretch.

His seven appearances and one point underline that this is still an early-season sample, yet the timing leaves VSV managing an injury absence immediately after a win over the league leaders.

Why It Matters

Andersson’s four-to-six-week absence gives VSV a defined injury concern following a notable victory. The club has shown it can compete with a leading opponent, but it must now do so without the Swedish winger while Vallant’s return date remains unclear.