It’s Game 7 time in Italy

Game 6: SV Ritten/Renon Sport - HC Asiago 2:1 (0:0, 1:1, 1:0), series 3-3

Game 6 began with a surprise in the lineup: Sean Bentivoglio, topscorer of HC Asiago, had returned to Canada in order not to miss the birth of his daughter. John Parco though had 20 year old home grown talent Marco Magnabosco on disposal again, who missed some games after being injured during the quarter final series. Ritten could play 17 year old Markus Spinell, who had to sit out some games due to a suspension.

In the 7^th minute Ritten-goalkeeper Weinhandl could feel quite lucky, when Borrelli’s deflection only hit the crossbar. Luca Felicetti had two good chances to score for the South Tyroleans, but the game would stay scoreless after 20 minutes. Bad news though for young defenceman Enrico Miglioranzi, last season EBEL-champion with Bolzano, who hurt his shoulder in an unlucky incident and may also miss the World Championships in Poland.

In the 27^th minute Anthony Nigro created a good chance for the Lions, but David Borrelli could not capitalize. The defending champions punished them soon later, as Patrick Rissmiller gave Ritten the 1:0-lead. Dan Tudin shot on net, Marozzi could not control the rebound and the former NHL-er Rissmiller had no problem putting the puck into the empty net.

Asiago was looking for the immediate response, but neither Diego Iori, nor Kevin DeVergiglio, could score on Weinhandl. Felicetti and Tudin had two chances for the ‘Buam’, but it was the ‘stellati’ to find the equalizer. Scott Hotham went on net hard, Weinhandl had the first shot, but could not do anything to prevent David Borrelli from tying the game after 37 minutes played. So the teams went also into the 2^nd intermission with the score tied.

In the 3^rd period Asiago gained some momentum after killing off two PK situations, but right when Asiago seemed to be able to decide the game, it was Christian Borgatello to give Ritten the lead. Borgatello, already 4-time Italian champion with Milano and Bolzano, hammered one from the point and, with the help of a lucky deflection, beat Marozzi on the five-hole.

Asiago was not able to come back and so the ‘scudetto’ will be played out in Game 7. For defending champion Ritten it is a game for the second title in club history, whereas Asiago wants to win its 5^th championship.

 

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