Home Advantage gives Players Wings

A cheering crowd for the Azzurri

CANAZEI/CAVALESE/PERGINE – Today, 15 December the ice hockey teams faced-off for the 5^th day of the tournament on the different ice arenas in the Trentino Region. A great atmosphere reigned in the Giancarlo Scola Arena in Alba di Canazei today as host Italy played against USA.

With one win and one loss, the host team didn’t want to disappoint their fans today … and they didn’t. The Azzurri beat Team USA 5-1.

Team Captain Tommaso Migliore in action against Team USA

For Team Captain Tommaso Migliore from HC Milano Rossoblu it was obvious they were playing with an extra man on the ice: the local fans. Indeed, the Sunday afternoon game brought many Italians to the Giancarlo Scola Arena to boost for their team. Plenty of cheers, ohs and ahs when Italy was in puck possession or Cheering kids: ‘Italia, Italia’when local goalie Gianluca Vallini from HC Fassa made some stellar saves. The crowd gave the Italian players wings. “We were definitely on fire”, Migliore commented. “The previous game we lost because we only woke up in the last period. But this time we showed the fans that we were back.” According to the law student of Milano University, the team had little preparation and is growing in the tournament. Donning the blue ‘Italia’ jersey makes him proud. “Wearing the jersey while playing at home in front of the Italian fans is an unbelievable sensation.” The kids waiting at the hallway exit towards the dressing room asking for autographs are definitely proof that ice hockey is a big sport in the Italian mountains

All Results Day 5:

Men

ITA vs USA: 5-1

SWE vs LAT: 2-5

CAN vs KAZ : 2-4

Women

GBR vs ESP : 2-1

JPN vs RUS : 1-5

CAN vs USA: 9-1

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer