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Bolzano, Italy – HCB Südtirol Alperia returned from the Olympic break with a dominant 4-0 victory over the Graz99ers on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, at the Sparkasse Arena. The win, witnessed by a crowd of 3,400, solidifies their position in the ICE Hockey League standings and builds momentum as the playoffs approach. This decisive victory marks the first time this season HCB has defeated Graz, having lost the previous three matchups.

The Foxes’ strong performance was anchored by a stellar showing from goaltender Sam Harvey, who secured his fourth shutout of the season. The result extends HCB Südtirol Alperia’s lead over Olimpija Ljubljana and narrows the gap with EC Red Bull Salzburg, positioning them favorably in the competitive league table. The team now faces Hydro Fehervar AV19 at home tomorrow, February 21, at 6:00 PM local time.

Bryce Misley opened the scoring for HCB Südtirol Alperia just over five minutes into the game, capitalizing on a play initiated by Frank and Brunner. Brad McClure doubled the lead before the end of the first period with a power-play goal, assisted by Gersich. Harvey’s strong goaltending, particularly during a Graz power play in the second period, kept the scoreline intact.

The third period saw HCB Südtirol Alperia extend their advantage with goals from Matteo Gennaro and Luca Frigo, just 52 seconds apart, effectively sealing the victory. Despite a late push from Graz, Harvey remained impenetrable, completing the shutout. The final shots on goal were 31-27 in favor of Bolzano, with the teams accumulating 8 and 10 penalty minutes respectively.

Game Highlights and Key Performances

HCB Südtirol Alperia’s coach, Shedden, was without Barberio and Bradley due to injury and also rotated Vallini, Larcher, and Marchetti out of the lineup. Despite these absences, the team demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower. Misley’s early goal set the tone, whereas McClure’s power-play conversion proved crucial. Harvey’s performance was particularly noteworthy, showcasing improved form just before the crucial playoff phase.

Graz99ers were missing key players including Nico Brunner, Nick Bailen, Nick Swaney, and Danish Olympian Anders Koch due to injury and illness, which may have contributed to their lackluster performance. Despite a more offensive approach in the second period, they were unable to break through Harvey’s defense.

Standings Implications

With this win, HCB Südtirol Alperia builds on their advantage over Olimpija Ljubljana, according to ICE Hockey League reports. They are now just two points behind EC Red Bull Salzburg for third place and four points behind Graz99ers, who remain in second. The team’s strong performance positions them well for a top-four finish, guaranteeing home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

Looking Ahead

HCB Südtirol Alperia will quickly turn their attention to their upcoming match against Hydro Fehervar AV19. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs. The team will aim to continue their strong form and solidify their position as a contender in the ICE Hockey League.

The team’s ability to perform effectively despite player absences and the return of players from the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina demonstrates their depth and adaptability. As reported by SportNews.bz, the eight national team players from HCB returned on Wednesday and were largely available for the match.

What comes next for HCB Südtirol Alperia will be determined by their performance against Fehervar and their ability to maintain a healthy roster as the playoffs approach. The team’s success will depend on continued strong goaltending, consistent offensive production, and effective special teams play.

Share your thoughts on HCB Südtirol Alperia’s performance and the upcoming playoff race in the comments below!

Stefano De Martino, the host of the Italian game show Affari Tuoi, has spoken of the pressure he felt taking over the program from Amadeus, admitting he initially feared he would be unable to put his own stamp on the popular format. De Martino’s comments came as he reflected on the demanding schedule and unexpected success he experienced after assuming the role.

“Last summer when they offered me to host Affari Tuoi and I accepted, I had this ambition but didn’t know how it would go, especially taking the place of Amadeus,” De Martino said. “Many people told me it wouldn’t be easy. The emotional weight was heavy, I was very afraid of not being able to do it my way and having to simply follow the format of the program, but gradually I found a way to do Affari Tuoi my way. And it went very well. In my case, expectations were so low that it didn’t take much to do better.”

De Martino’s arrival on Affari Tuoi followed Amadeus’s departure from Rai, the Italian public broadcaster, and his subsequent move to Nove, a channel owned by Discovery. Amadeus hosted his final episode of Affari Tuoi on Rai1 in June 2024, attracting an audience of 4,579,000 viewers – a 25.3% share, before moving to Nove. His exit followed a period of negotiation with Rai, which reportedly did not seek to extend his contract.

The transition was strategically timed by Rai, according to reports from May 2025, as a counter-programming move against Amadeus’s new game show, The Cage – Prendi e Scappa, on Nove. Rai extended Affari Tuoi into the summer months, breaking with the tradition of reruns, in an effort to undermine the launch of Amadeus’s new program. This move was described as a “war” between Rai and Nove, with De Martino positioned as a key figure in the broadcaster’s strategy.

De Martino acknowledged the demanding pace of the show, stating, “Seeing what I’ve done, I understand this tiredness I carry around. It might be the change of season, but no, we started early and did a lot.” He too recalled expressing his gratitude to the staff he worked with during his time on the program, sharing videos on Instagram after the final recordings.

Amadeus himself expressed disappointment following his departure from Rai, noting a lack of recognition from the broadcaster’s leadership. He cited the absence of any Rai executives at a final celebratory toast as particularly disheartening for the production team.

Curious minds are constantly at function, and recently, some fascinating questions have surfaced about the natural world. From the depths of the water to the skies above, children are seeking answers to complex phenomena. One particularly intriguing query, posed by a nine-year-old named Seb, asks: how long can crocodiles stay underwater without coming up for air? This question, along with others explored by Molly Oldfield’s “Everything Under the Sun” podcast, highlights the power of youthful curiosity and the wonders of scientific inquiry.

Understanding how long a crocodile can remain submerged is a matter of physiological adaptation. These reptiles are masters of underwater survival, possessing several features that allow them to stay beneath the surface for extended periods. The ability to hold their breath for significant durations is crucial for both hunting prey and avoiding predators. But just how long is significant? The answer, as with many things in nature, isn’t simple, and depends on several factors, including the species of crocodile, its size, and its activity level.

Crocodile Physiology and Underwater Endurance

Crocodiles aren’t holding their breath in the same way humans do. They employ a remarkable physiological trick. According to verified information, crocodiles can significantly slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen. While a crocodile’s heart typically beats around 60 times per minute on land, it can drop to as few as 1-2 beats per minute while submerged. This drastic reduction in heart rate minimizes oxygen consumption, allowing them to remain underwater for much longer than would otherwise be possible.

crocodiles can shunt blood away from their lungs and towards other vital organs, further conserving oxygen. They also possess a valve in their throat that prevents water from entering their lungs. This combination of adaptations allows them to effectively “shut down” non-essential functions while underwater, maximizing their time beneath the surface.

So, how does this translate into actual time? While there’s variation between species, most crocodiles can comfortably stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. Though, some species, like the saltwater crocodile, have been observed remaining submerged for over an hour in colder water. The cooler water temperatures help to slow their metabolism even further, extending their underwater endurance.

Beyond Crocodiles: Other Curious Questions

Seb’s question is just one of many fascinating inquiries explored by Molly Oldfield’s “Everything Under the Sun.” Other questions recently tackled include why skin turns purple under the eyes when sleepy (posed by eight-year-old Tilly), whether tornadoes travel easier over grass or concrete (from ten-year-old Niels), if the sun can melt all plastics (asked by seven-and-a-half-year-old Lonnie), and who invented prisons (a question from seven-year-old Emi). These questions demonstrate a wide range of interests and a desire to understand the world around them.

Oldfield’s work, encompassing a podcast and several books – including “Everything Under the Sun” and “Everything Under the Sun: Quiz Book” – provides accessible and engaging answers to these complex questions. Her latest title, “Everything Under the Sun: All Around the World,” further expands on this exploration of scientific curiosity.

What Factors Affect Underwater Time?

Several factors influence how long a crocodile can stay underwater. Activity level plays a significant role; a crocodile actively hunting will deplete its oxygen stores more quickly than one remaining still. Water temperature, as mentioned earlier, also impacts metabolic rate and oxygen consumption. Larger crocodiles generally have a greater oxygen capacity and can therefore stay submerged for longer periods than smaller ones.

The species of crocodile is also a key determinant. Saltwater crocodiles, known for their size and predatory prowess, are capable of longer dives than smaller species like dwarf crocodiles. Each species has evolved specific adaptations to suit its environment and lifestyle, influencing its underwater capabilities.

Understanding these factors provides a more nuanced picture of crocodile physiology and their remarkable ability to thrive in aquatic environments. The question of how long a crocodile can hold its breath isn’t just about a single number; it’s about a complex interplay of biological adaptations and environmental conditions.

As research continues, we can expect to learn even more about these fascinating creatures and their incredible underwater abilities. The ongoing curiosity of young minds, like Seb’s, will undoubtedly continue to drive scientific exploration and deepen our understanding of the natural world.

What other questions about the animal kingdom pique your interest? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow curious minds!

Harlandale High School in San Antonio was placed on lockdown Friday afternoon following a 911 report of a possible armed student, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. The situation concluded with the apprehension of the student off campus, according to Harlandale Independent School District (HISD) officials.

The lockdown was initiated as a precautionary measure even as the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and the Harlandale ISD Police Department investigated the report. Melinda Garza, Communications Manager Director for Harlandale ISD, confirmed that students and staff were safe throughout the incident. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding school safety and the protocols in place to address potential threats.

Investigation and Apprehension

SAPD officers initiated a standard protective sweep of the campus as students were dismissed in a controlled manner. Initially, police reported no confirmed suspect or weapon had been located. But, the student believed to be involved was quickly identified and taken into custody away from school grounds. “Officers are currently doing a standard protective sweep as students are dismissed from campus in a controlled manner,” stated SAPD Public Information Officer Camelia Juarez. The investigation remains ongoing and authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding potential charges or the nature of the alleged firearm report.

The Harlandale ISD Police Department plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe learning environment within the district. More information about the department and its services can be found on the HISD website. The department’s efforts are focused on supporting the educational needs of the district and championing student success.

Lockdown Lifted, District Provides Updates

The lockdown was lifted at approximately 5:35 p.m. Once law enforcement confirmed the individual was no longer on site, according to HISD officials. The district communicated updates to families throughout the event, assuring them of the safety of students and staff. KENS 5 reported that a parent indicated the lockdown began around 3:30 p.m.

While the initial report involved a possible handgun, authorities have not confirmed whether a weapon was recovered. WOAI News 4 San Antonio and KSAT News both reported on the lockdown and subsequent apprehension.

The incident at Harlandale High School follows a pattern of increased security measures and heightened awareness in schools across the nation. The district will continue to provide families with updates as additional information becomes available.

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release further details regarding the incident and the student involved. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the Harlandale High School community and preventing similar situations from occurring in the future.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and please share this article with others who may be concerned about school safety.