One of the more curious teams during the group stage of this year's Champions Hockey League was the club from Bolzano, Italy. The defending EBEL champions were blown out in their first two games, but then came back strong to win three of their last four, including a come-from-behind win in their last game. Versatile veteran Stefan Zisser did what was necessary to help the team win.

by Kurt Platter

BOLZANO – Now in his 15th year with the club, Stefan Zisser is one of HC Bolzano's most experienced players. The 34-year-old also showed during the Champions Hockey League that he's one of the team's most versatile player.

Normally able to play either at centre or on the wing, Zisser was forced into action as a defenceman in the team's last game against HC Pardubice after Rick Schofield was ejected from the game late in the first period. From the back end, he helped his team come from behind and win 4–3, scoring the game-tying goal early in the third period.

After 40 minutes, your team was down 3–1. Did you still believe you could win?

We never gave up. In the second intermission our coach encouraged us to believe we could do it and to continue to battle. We had been getting the chances but in the third period we dug down and it went well. I'm glad we were able to say goodbye to the Champions Hockey League with a victory.

How would you sum up the Champions Hockey League experience?

I think we can be satisfied. We won three of six games, including two games against a top Czech club. On the other hand, who knows what would have been possible if we had got off to a better start in Scandinavia. Unfortunately, we started very late with the pre-season and were downright terrible in the first two games in Turku and Linköping. But all in all it was an interesting experience to be able to play at the top European level.

You even got to experience playing as a defenceman at the top European level. How interesting was that?

It was a great experience. I must say I enjoyed that role very much. Who knows, maybe I'll help out back there more often in the future when I'm needed. At first it was quite a change. Luckily our goaltender Jaroslav Huebl was able to cover for any mistakes on my part. (laughing)

You even scored a goal on defence and it was your only goal of the competition. How did that happen?

Of course I am happy that I could help the team. A gap just suddenly opened up. I moved up in the play and got a fantastic set-up and I just fired it. Fortunately the puck went into the net.

In the EBEL so far the season hasn't gone as well as you'd like. Why is that?

As defending champion this year, we are the hunted. Everyone wants to win against the champions and they all give 110 percent. We've had trouble scoring goals. I hope this win gives us some confidence and will lead to more EBEL wins and we can move up in the standings.

NOTE: HC Bolzano have won both EBEL games since the end of their CHL schedule and, counting their last CHL victory, have won four games in a row. They are now in a three-way tie for sixth place in the 12-team league.