Ice Hockey League Bolzano chooses Linz as quarterfinal opponent – FISG

After the last pre-qualifying match, in the third and decisive match between Linz and Graz (3-0), so All eight participants in the playoffs are determined, and the draft is held for the formation of the quarterfinals – the best of seven From the ICE Hockey League. Bolzano, winner of the regular season and already qualified for the next Champions Hockey League, and the only remaining Italian, after the elimination of Val Pusteria and Asiago, chose the Black Wings from Upper Austria, only the last formation for the playoff season. a ticket.

Salzburg, with the right of second choice, preferred Vihervar, in the reissued version of the last ICE Final, which was won by the Austrians.

The amazing city of Innsbruck, from the third place, chose the capitals of Vienna.

The last match of the quarter-final was therefore self-limiting given that Villach (4th) could only face Klagenfurt (5th) in what would be a valuable Carinthian derby.

Then, starting Tuesday, the quarter-finals start to the best-of-seven matches.

Captain’s Night at Sparkas Arena marking their first playoff game against Linz

On March 7 in Bolzano, a great evening not only with the start of the playoffs, one of the most anticipated moments of the season. As an inaugural event to celebrate its 90th anniversary, HCB South Tyrol Alperia decided to celebrate its captains (19 since 1953). “The Captain’s Night” will start about 15 minutes before the preliminary match (scheduled for 19:45) against Linz.

Some numbers in view of the playoff challenge between the Foxes and Blackwings

Head to head last regular season: 3 wins, Hexa Al Barsha | 1 BWL win
After missing the playoffs for the first time last season, South Tyrol won the regular season 22-23.
For the third time, the Foxes are entering the postseason as the first seeded team.
The Black Wings qualified for the playoffs again after a two-year hiatus.
It is a duel between two former champions (statistics since the league was founded in 2000/2001): Bolzano (2014, 2018), Linz (2003, 2012).
Bolzano has won 10 of their 15 playoff series to date. Linz also has a positive record with 19 series wins and 15 losses.
The two clubs have already met three times in the playoffs:
Quarter-finals 2015 (4:3 Linz)
Quarter-finals 2016 (4:2 Linz)
Quarter-finals 2017 (4:1 Bolzano)
In both the 2016 and 2017 quarterfinals, the lowest seeded team won.
The winner at the end of the regular season always advances to at least the semifinals since direct selection was established.