In the top game of the 21st round of the Alps Hockey League, the Rittner Buam, second in the standings, will be guests of Asiago, currently fourth. The house masters have scored 39 points, four less than the Rittner Buam, however the Venetian team has played three games less than the South Tyroleans. In the IHL-Series A ranking, which is running in parallel with the cross-border championship, Asiago has a one point advantage over the Rittner Buam. By making three points Simon Kostner & Co. could overtake the reigning Italian champions and definitely clinch a ticket to the final phase in which the top four teams will take part.

"I think we can expect a balanced game between two rested teams. The chances are 50-50. At home at the end of October we beat Asiago cleanly. But in the previous weekend Petri Mattila's team had played three Continental Cup games in three days and certainly didn't come to Collalbo in the best shape," says Rittner Buam sports director Adolf Insam, who announced the return of Markus Spinell. Absent, however, Stefan Quinz and Philipp Pechlaner due to injury. Also Jakob Prast and Adam Giacomuzzi, called up for the Italian Under 20 national team, will not be at coach Heiskanen's disposal.

The 169th overall duel between Asiago and the Rittner Buam will start at 8.30 pm and can be followed live in streaming on www.valcome.tv. The statistics of the previous meetings are in favour of the Stellati, who are leading with 93 victories against two draws and 73 defeats. 

Alps Hockey League 2021/22

Saturday 4 December 2021 - 8.30 pm, Odegar Stadium, Asiago

Migross Supermarkets Asiago Hockey - Rittner Buam

Photo: Max Pattis