Game seven

Ice Bulls fight with “brains” against the curse

Once again: Bulls shots at goalie Harvey.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Final against KAC or end of season: The Bulls are facing their fourth showdown against Bolzano. So far, however, the away team has always won. For one crack, the beard saved the day.

That's something special, it really doesn't happen every day. There's hardly anything better for spectators, players, coaches and the media," said coaching legend and Puls 24 expert Greg Holst, describing the fascination of a game seven. In which the Ice Bulls, after their away win in the series 3:3, will battle it out with Bolzano in the semi-final today for a place in the final against KAC (start Friday). A duel that has tradition, as it has already gone the full distance three times in finals. But Bulls alert: the visiting team always won!

Final 2014: Played as a "best of five series" back then, it went into overtime in the ice arena. Pance sent the Bulls, then coached by Jackson, into the valley of tears in minute 72. The South Tyroleans were crowned champions in their debut year.

Final 2018:  Once again, everything was in place for the second championship party on home ice since 2007. After 26 minutes it was 0:3, the goals from Viveiros and Mueller came too late. Salzburg was beaten at home again.

Final 2023: In an incredible fight, the Bulls prevailed in the deciding game (again best of seven) in Bolzano. Meyer secured the 2:1 away win. The revenge for two bitter home defeats was successful - now the South Tyroleans have a score to settle.

A good 25 cracks from back then are also facing each other today in the ice arena. The goalkeeper duel is once again Tolvanen against Harvey.

"A lot always happens in your head in a seventh game in the play-offs. You have to be ready," says Peter Schneider, who scored again in the 4-1 win after his injury. "We've already experienced these big games as a team and also won them. I hope that continues this time."

No end in sight for Bulls beards
If it works out, the final against KAC starts on Friday. And the Bulls' beards, which some of them have been growing all season - would not go under the knife. For Schneider, the thick growth was a lifesaver during the season: "A puck hit me on the chin, but it didn't leave any marks."