Ingemar Gruber scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and Rittner Buam held off the challenges of HC Val Pusteria Lupi in a tough 1-0 win.

Rittner Buam took over the lead for good with a goal by Gruber at 10:34 in the first period. Simon Kostner picked up the assist.

Chris Holt frustrated HC Val Pusteria Lupi's offense all game, and stopped 36 shots en route to a shutout. Holt certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 0.66 entering the contest.

Rittner Buam excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances.

More assists for Rittner Buam came via Eric Johansson, who had one.

HC Val Pusteria Lupi did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. HC Val Pusteria Lupi puts an average of 3.3 pucks into the net per game.

Rittner Buam incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Gerald Vale Kuhn rejected 25 shots on goal for HC Val Pusteria Lupi. HC Val Pusteria Lupi incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.