After a long and intense preparation phase and five pre-season matches, the Rittner Buam are ready for their new adventure in the Alps Hockey League. "We had a good summer, the guys worked hard. The anticipation for the championship is very big. We are particularly happy about the return of the fans in the stadium, which will surely create a good atmosphere", says Renon's sport director Adolf Insam, who in the past months has strengthened the Rittner Buam's roster with new additions, goalie Jake Smith, defenseman Zach Osburn and forwards Jari Sailio and Alex Frei.

In Collalbo, Fassa will be an adversary against whom Rittner Buam has a positive record. In 77 of the 122 matches played so far against the Falcons, the blue-reds have left the ice as winners. 40 matches have ended with a Fassa victory. Last season, the Renon team won 5:2 at home and 4:3 in Canazei. "Marco Liberatore's team is practically new, all players with transfer cards have been replaced. Fassa has a good team, which we will certainly not underestimate. But our goal for this season opener is the three points," Insam consciously dictates the line.

Manuel and Robert Öhler will be out with injuries.

The Rittner Buam coach, Santeri Heiskanen will be able to use almost the whole roster for the season opener. Manuel and Robert Öhler are the only two players who will not be available for the Finnish coach. Due to a knee injury, Manuel Öhler will likely be out the whole 2021 season, while Robert Öhler has already returned to training with the team.

On Saturday night, 542 fans will be able to watch the game between the Rittner Buam and Fassa Falcons live at the Ritten Arena. As with all games on Saturday, the match will start at 6 p.m. Tickets, as well as season tickets, are available at the ice rinks ticket office. More information, including subscriber benefits, can be found on the Rittner Buam website www.rittnerbuam.com.

Credits: Max Pattis