Valentin Schubiger opened the scoring in the new season. (Image: Erwin Keller)
UHC Alligator Malans started the new season with a narrow 4:6 defeat against HC Rychenberg Winterthur. In a hard-fought match, the special teams ultimately decided the outcome. Despite the defeat, Malans impressed with an aggressive and fast-paced style of play.
In front of 407 spectators in the Lust sports hall in Maienfeld, the game started promisingly for the hosts. In the 5th minute, Valentin Schubiger opened the scoring for the Alligators after a nice combination. However, Winterthur equalized shortly before the first break through Christian Mutter in a power play. The game then developed into a balanced one, in which Malans particularly impressed with aggressive forechecking and numerous ball wins. The wingers Britt-Gattnar and Buchli-Capatt in particular repeatedly posed a threat.
Narrow lead and decisive phase
After new signing Martin Gattnar scored again in the 21st minute, the game remained open for a long time. But Winterthur took full advantage of their chances and went 5:3 ahead in the second period with goals from Maurer and Matt. Malans also had opportunities, but their power play did not work as desired, while Rychenberg exploited their power play efficiently.
Final offensive and missed point win
Shortly before the end, Gattnar reduced the score to 4:5 with his second goal and brought the Alligators closer again. But an empty net goal by Lukas Conrad sealed the defeat for the Graubünden team. Despite the defeat, the team of Malan’s assistant coach Daniel Lüchinger was not discouraged. The performance shown gives hope for the upcoming games.
The chance to make amends comes as early as Sunday afternoon: The Alligators travel to reigning champions Zug United.
Final score: UHC Alligator Malans – HC Rychenberg Winterthur 4:6 (1:1, 2:4, 1:1)
Lust Sports Hall, Maienfeld. 407 spectators.
Tore: 5. V. Schubiger (A. Capatt) 1:0.
19. C. Mutter (J. Larsson) 1:1.
21. M. Gattnar (J. Britt) 2:1.
27. N. Püntener (L. Conrad) 2:2.
33. M. Maurer (M. Lindgjerdet) 2:3.
33. A. Capatt (R. Buchli) 3:3.
34. M. Maurer (C. Mutter) 3:4.
34. M. Matt 3:5.
60. M. Gattnar (D. Hartmann) 4:5.
60. L. Conrad (N. Püntener) 4:6.
Punish:
2 x 2 minutes against UHC Alligator Malans,
1 x 2 minutes against HC Rychenberg Winterthur.
Best player:
Jamie Britt (Alligator Malans),
Manuel Maurer (Rychenberg Winterthur).
Source: Alligator Malans (Jürg Steger)
