Release from 14.10.2023

Bolzano challenges Salzburg in first final rematch

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On Sunday, EC Red Bull Salzburg and HCB Südtirol Alperia will meet again for the first time nearly six months after their thrilling, seven-game final series in 2023. With emerging form, Bolzano wants to ensure Salzburg's first defeat after regulation.

At the same time, the Steinbach Black Wings Linz want to extend their point streak against probably again decimated spusu Vienna Capitals, at Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey captain Marco Magnabosco makes his comeback after an injury break, while EC-KAC aims for its second road win at Moser Medical Graz99ers. The Graz game will be broadcast live on PULS 24 and www.puls24.at/eishockey (available worldwide) from 5.05 pm. All other games will be offered on www.live.ice.hockey (PPV).

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Win2day ICE Hockey League | 15.10.2023 | Schedule:
Sun, 15.10.2023, 4.30 pm: spusu Vienna Capitals – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Referees: Huber A., NIKOLIC K., Konc, Moidler. | >> live.ice.hockey <<
Sunday starts with the game between the spusu Vienna Capitals and the Steinbach Black Wings Linz, with both teams having a different form at hand: The Viennese had to admit defeat in each of their last five games. The squad, which was thinned out due to injuries, only picked up one point (5:6 SO vs. AVS), as the "Caps" are also missing seven players against the Upper Austrians. In addition, the two-time champion announced on Friday night to part ways with defender Oskar Drugge (1G|1A). Linz, including the victory over Graz, have always scored in the last seven games. On Friday they brought champion EC Red Bull Salzburg to the brink of defeat, until the 55th minute Graham Knott – who has an upright scoring streak since the beginning of the season – led 3:1.

Vienna has always won the last four home games against Linz, conceded only one defeat after regulation in the last ten duels on home ice.

The game will also be a very special one away from the sporting action, as Vienna captain Mario Fischer, who would have played his 700th competitive game for the spusu Vienna Capitals tomorrow had the league game against EC Red Bull Salzburg not been cancelled, will be honored for his services even before his 699th appearance in yellow and black. With Ales Kranjc, the capital club welcomes another special guest tomorrow in the STEFFL Arena. The former Caps defenseman made his ALS disease public in the spring. In his favor, 700 specially designed pucks will be sold at €10 each, with all proceeds going to Kranjc. The Steinbach Black Wings will contribute their part to this campaign, will symbolically buy 50 pucks and donate the sum in full. 

Sun, 15.10.2023, 5.30 pm: Moser Medical Graz99ers – EC-KAC
Referees: SIEGL, STERNAT, Durmis, Jedlicka. | >> FREE Stream auf www.puls24.at/eishockey <<
The “Pack Derby” will be live on PULS 24 on Sunday, with the Moser Medical Graz99ers taking on the EC-KAC at home for another shot at their first win of the running season. From the previous ten games – two of which were penalized against the 99ers – the Styrians picked up only three points and are at the bottom of the table. On Friday in Bolzano, the 99ers started with only three lines, against Klagenfurt, more mainstays could return to the line-up. The bottom team still struggles with its offensive productivity, scoring an average of only 1.6 goals so far – never more than three per game. The EC-KAC has shown good form recently: The last two (home) games were won, on the road the "Rotjacken" have a harder time – won only against Bozen, lost three times in a row recently. Klagenfurt has always won its last five games against Graz. Klagenfurt misses Jesper Jensen Aabo, who is suspended.

Sun, 15.10.2023, 5.30 pm: EC Red Bull Salzburg – HCB Südtirol Alperia
Referees: BERNEKER, NIKOLIC M., Gatol-Schafranek, Seewald E. | >> live.ice.hockey <<
For the first time in the new season, the two finalists from the previous season will meet after their start to the new season could not have been more different: Salzburg is in second place, has still scored in each of its nine league games so far. On Friday in Linz, the Red Bulls overturned a two-goal deficit in the final five minutes to win 4-3 in a shootout. The champion thus turned around a 1-3 disadvantage for the second time.

Bolzano is tenth, but slowly climbing the table. Friday's 3-1 win over Graz was deserved especially in the second 30 minutes, especially Brad McClure showed up again. Last year the import scored 24 goals, against Graz he was able to add to his tally for the first time this campaign.

Sun, 15.10.2023, 5.30 pm: Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – HK SZ Olimpija
Referees: GROZNIK, ZRNIC, Mantovani, Rigoni. | >> live.ice.hockey <<
A week is behind the last game of Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey. Last Sunday the Italians had to admit defeat in Klagenfurt with 3-4. This ended their short winning streak (two victories) again. Challenger HK SZ Olimpija was much more challenged: On Wednesday, the Slovenians played against Linz (0-2), on Friday against Villach (2-5). The Dragons are currently winless in four games and have slipped to ninth place in the table. They are experiencing defensive problems in particular: In the first seven matches they conceded an average of 2.14 goals, and in the last four games they have conceded 4.25.
The "Stellati" is waiting with innovations in the line-up: In defense, Philip Beaulieu replaces the injured Warner, and captain Magnabosco also returns after an injury break.