HC Falcons Brixen/Bressanone: A Comprehensive Overview
The HC Falcons Brixen/Bressanone, known in German as Hockey Club Falcons Brixen, is an ice hockey team based in Bressanone (BZ), Italy. Established on May 15, 1987, originally as Hockey Club Fana Ghiaccio, the club soon adopted the name Hockey Club Bressanone. The team's colors are white, blue, and red, and they play their home games at the Palaghiaccio Bressanone, an arena with a capacity of 2,500 spectators, located in the southern part of the town. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Early Years and Development
In its second season, the team clinched the Serie C title, earning a promotion to Serie B. However, by 1992, the first team was dissolved to focus on developing the youth sector. The senior team made a comeback in the 2000-2001 season, participating in Serie B, which was later rebranded as Serie A2. Following a league restructuring in the 2003-2004 season, the team competed in the reinstated Serie B, winning the championship and securing a spot in the Serie A2 for the subsequent season. Unfortunately, the 2004-2005 season concluded with the team at the bottom of the standings, leading to relegation to Serie C Under 26. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Reorganization and the Birth of the Falcons
On March 15, 2013, the club underwent a significant transformation. A new management team, comprising six former Bressanone ice hockey players—Alex Gusella (appointed as the new president), Oliver Schenk, Luca Scardoni, Patrick Bona, Matthias Lazzeri, and Thomas Oberegger—took the helm. Two months later, the club was rebranded as Hockey Club Falcons Bressanone, complete with a new logo. Initially, the focus remained on youth competitions, but by the 2015-2016 season, the Falcons reintroduced a senior team. Instead of competing in Italian leagues, they joined the Tyrolean Elite League (Tiroler Eliteliga), part of Austria's fourth-tier league system. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Return to Italian Competitions
The stint in the Austrian league lasted two seasons. In the summer of 2017, the Federazione Italiana Sport del Ghiaccio (FISG) revoked permissions for Italian teams, except those in the EBEL and Alps Hockey League, to participate in foreign leagues. Consequently, the Falcons enrolled in the Italian Hockey League - Division I (the third tier of Italian ice hockey). They triumphed in this league, defeating ValpEagle in the final. This victory paved the way for their participation in the Italian Hockey League (formerly Serie B) for the 2018-2019 season, where they achieved a commendable fourth-place finish. In the Coppa Italia, introduced in 2016 for second-tier teams, the Falcons reached the semifinals that same season. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Recent Seasons and Performance
In the 2024-2025 season, the Falcons competed in the Italian Hockey League. The roster featured a mix of young talents and experienced players, including goaltenders Clarence Costazza and Damian Leitner, defensemen Nikolas Bedin and Jan Frenademez, and forwards Johnny Baker and Mattia Cassibba. The team was led by head coach Ken Eddy, with assistance from Lukas Bacik. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Throughout the season, the Falcons faced challenges, recording 4 wins and 18 losses over 24 games. They scored 69 goals while conceding 135, accumulating 14 points and finishing 12th in the standings. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Notable Incidents
In a significant disciplinary event, the Federazione Italiana Sport Invernali suspended team captain Nicholas Pezzetta for 13 months after he struck a referee with his stick. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Home Arena and Community Engagement
The Palaghiaccio Bressanone serves as the home base for the Falcons. Beyond hosting the team's games, the arena is a hub for ice sports in the community, accommodating various associations such as the WSV Brixen for figure skating and curling. The facility has also welcomed international teams for training camps, including the Russian team HC Vityaz and athletes from Germany's Schwenninger Wild Wings. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Looking Ahead
As of the 2024-2025 season, the HC Falcons Brixen/Bressanone continue to be an active presence in Italian ice hockey. With a focus on developing local talent and maintaining a competitive edge, the team aims to improve its standings in future seasons. The club's commitment to fostering a strong community connection and promoting the sport at the grassroots level remains a cornerstone of its philosophy.