Wolves Snatch dramatic 6-4 Victory Over DEL Champions in Vinschgau Cup Finale
Latsch, Italy – The HCP Wolves secured a thrilling 6-4 win against ERC Ingolstadt, the 2024/25 DEL regular season champions, in a captivating Vinschgau Cup match today. Despite missing key players, the Wolves rallied to overcome a resolute Ingolstadt side currently in a training camp in Latsch.
The Wolves drew first blood early in the game, with daniel Glira capitalizing on a shot from Rueschhoff to put the home team ahead 1-0 in the 5th minute. Ingolstadt quickly responded, with Girduckis leveling the score at 1-1 in the 11th minute. HCP regained the lead through Gschliesser, converting a rebound after a Mantinger play, making it 2-1 in the 15th minute. Just two minutes later, debutant Zandegiacomo extended the Wolves’ advantage to 3-1 with a cool backhand finish after a feed from Ierullo. The Wolves entered the first intermission with a agreeable lead.
The second period saw a tighter contest. Ingolstadt pulled one back through Schmölz in the 30th minute during a powerplay, capitalizing on a scramble in front of the net. The Panthers continued to press, and the Wolves found themselves defending, with Glira and Saracino both having opportunities to extend the lead but being denied by Ingolstadt’s brochu. The period ended with the Wolves clinging to a 3-2 advantage.
The final frame proved to be a rollercoaster. Hüttl equalized for Ingolstadt in the 45th minute after a sustained period of pressure. Shortly after, Gschliesser received a game misconduct penalty for fighting, forcing the Wolves to kill a lengthy penalty. Despite being shorthanded, the Wolves remained resilient. Ingolstadt then took the lead for the first time, with Agostino scoring a well-worked goal to make it 3-4 in the 52nd minute.However, the Wolves refused to yield. Glira ignited a comeback, firing a shot from the slot to tie the game at 4-4 in the 54th minute. The momentum swung dramatically as Rueschhoff, capitalizing on a rebound after Brochu dropped the puck, scored to put the Wolves ahead 5-4 just a minute later. Rueschhoff then sealed the victory with a late goal following a faceoff, extending the lead to 6-4. Ingolstadt mounted a final push, but goalkeeper Dominik Groh stood firm, securing the win for the Wolves.
The HCP was without Pasquale, Rabanser, Lipon, Bardreau, Frycklund, and Conci (due to illness) for the match, leading to opportunities for Gschliesser and Zandegiacomo.Groh, from sterzing, was between the pipes for the Wolves.
The Wolves conclude the Vinschgau Cup with a meaningful victory against a top DEL opponent. Their next pre-season game is scheduled for Friday, August 29th, against HC Falkensteiner Pustertal at 6:00 p.m.in Tschurtschenthaler park.
