Release from 15.04.2026

Dominant Graz take 1–0 lead in Finals

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The Moser Medical Graz99ers opened the 2026 Finals with a dominant performance. The reigning Austrian champions sent a clear statement on Wednesday night with a 5–1 win over HC Falkensteiner Pustertal, taking a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game two is set for Friday in Bruneck/Pustertal.

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The Moser Medical Graz99ers came out flying in Game 1 and underlined their championship ambitions right from the start. Nick Bailen had the first major chance of the game, but HCP netminder Eddie Pasquale came up with a strong save. However, in the 9th minute, he was beaten for the first time: following a long saucer pass, Lukas Haudum surprised Pasquale from the left side with a shot into the short-side corner to make it 1–0. After falling behind, Pustertal created a few moments off the rush but were denied by a solid Nicolas Wieser. Graz, on the other hand, consistently generated rebounds. One of those led to the 2–0 in the 17th minute, when Josh Currie buried a rebound off a Kevin Roy shot.

Pustertal came out much improved in the middle frame. In the 25th minute, Austin Rueschhoff cut the deficit to 1–2 after a nice feed from Cole Bardreau, who positioned himself in front of Nicolas Wieser. Energized by the goal, the Wolves pushed for the equalizer and showed they could match Graz at this stage of the Finals. The hosts, however, stayed composed, and Frank Hora restored the two-goal lead on the power play to make it 3–1.

Graz left no doubt in the final period. Just 35 seconds in, Lukas Haudum hammered home a one-timer to extend the lead to 4–1. The home side kept their foot on the gas, and in the 44th minute, Bailen finished with patience and composure for the 5–1. The Styrians controlled the remainder of the game and secured a comfortable 5–1 victory, taking a 1–0 series lead in the Finals. Lukas Haudum recorded a two-goal performance. Game #2 of the Final series will be played on Thursday in Bruneck/Pustertal.

win2day ICE Hockey League, Final Game 1, 15.04.2026
Moser Medical Graz99ers - HC Falkensteiner Pustertal 5–1 (2–0, 1–1, 2–0)
Referees: FICHTNER, STERNAT, Bedynek, Puff
Goals G99: Haudum (9’, 41’ PP1), Currie (17’), Hora (34’ PP1), Bailen (44’)
Goals HCP: Rueschhoff (25’)