With two hundred or so Blaze fans,who were described as a credit to Coventry by Paul Thompson but faced heavy handed Italian police during their time in Italy, in the Palaonda Rink in Bolzano, the home fans did not have it all their own way for this winner takes all Continental Cup Qualifying Final with a place in the Super Finals in Rouen, France in January at stake.
Both sides had won both their matches going into the game and Blaze paid the price for being on a penalty and Roland Ramoser tapped in after 14.42 for a powerplay goal.
In the second period, Jon Weaver hit a shot from the blue line and hit the bar. There was no red light but one of the two referees awarded a goal then when all four officials got together the goal was disallowed.
Both sides hit the post as Bolzano went to four on three and Blaze tried to kill the penalty minutes. JF Perras, who was player of the game, made some good saves before the end of the period.
In the third period, Blaze went looking for a goal to get them back in the match and gave it everythging they had. Pasi Hakkinen twice made good stops to deny Adam Calder,Jon Weaver and Carlyle Lewis.
With less than three minutes left, Danny Stewart got a two plus ten minute penalty for striking Ramoser around the neck. Paul Thompson took off his net minder but the Blaze went down to a 1-0 defeat.
In the third place play-off, Maribor beat Dunaujvaros 3-2.
On Friday night, Blaze travel to Belfast before taking on Newcastle Vipers at the Sky Dome on Sunday at 6pm.