Local Player scores 1st Goal of WU in Men’s Ice Hockey

Face-off of the Men’s tournament in Alba di Canazei ITA vs LAT

PERGINE/CANAZEI/CAVALESE – Today, 10 December, the ice hockey tournaments for men’s and women’s teams faced-off, one day prior to the official opening of the 26^th Winter Universiade. The honor was given to the women’s teams of Great Britain and Japan facing-off in Pergine where the 6-team women’s tournament is played. The Brits were overpowered by team Nippon 10-1.

Simon Kostner (ITA) scores the first goal of the WU men’s tournament

For the men, the first puck hit the ice in Alba di Canazei starting their tournaments. Host Italy met Latvia. A first for Team Latvia at the WU ice hockey tournament, they got an early wake-up call when Italy’s Simon Kostner scored the men’s opener. The Azzurri used the home advantage to the fullest and beat first timers Latvia 4-2.

 Simon Kostner contemplating his first goal

“Scoring a goal in ice hockey always gives you a great feeling”, a joyful Simon Kostner said in the mixed zone after the game. “I think we played well and held off our opponents successfully. It looked like it took them two periods to get used to the altitude here in Canazei.” Kostner plays for the local club HC Fassa which plays in Elite A and for him the “Gianmario Scola” ice arena has no secrets as he practices on it almost every day. “Maybe I was lucky, but let’s call it the home advantage”, a smiling Simon said. Proud to be the first goal scorer in this tournament, and pleased with his first goal for Italy and also a little bit for HC Fassa and the people from Canazei …

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer