Release from 05.09.2019

EC-KAC and spusu Vienna Capitals hit the road on second CHL weekend

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The EC-KAC and the spusu Vienna Capitals have two road games ahead on the upcoming weekend in Champions Hockey League. While the unbeaten reigning Erste Bank Eishockey Liga champion faces Tappara Tampere (FIN), the Caps travel to Djurgarden Stockholm looking for their first points in CHL season. 

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EC-KAC opens second CHL weekend unbeaten
Together with four teams the EC-KAC is still unbeaten in this year's Champions Hockey League campaign. The reigning champion defeated Tappara Tampere (FIN) and Frisk Asker (NOR) on the opening weekend and leads the standings in group A. Tampere, placed third, remains pointless, lost the second game against EHC Biel-Bienne 0:1.

During the past CHL seasons Klagenfurt struggled on the road, getting only one win out of five games (August 24th, 2017 | 6:3 against Gap Rapaces). Tampere showed its strength on home ice, losing only four out of 19 games in regular time. The Finnish side won seven out of the last eight home games in CHL.

To deal with potential injuries, the EC-KAC starts the road trip with a bigger squad. Due to injuries Niki Kraus, Lukas Haudum and Johannes Bischofberg will miss both upcoming games. David Madlener is designed to be starting goalie.

Steven Strong, defender EC-KAC: „We had a very successful start into the Champions Hockey League. Now, the toughest game of the group stage is ahead of us: Tappara has a strong home advantage available and after two losses in a row, they will take revenge. But we are ready to give the Finish side again a tough battle.”

spusu Vienna Capitals will take the first win in this CHL season
On Friday, the spusu Vienna Capitals look for their first victory in the running Champions Hockey League season. The vice champion travels to Djurgarden Stockholm (SWE) and will take revenge for the tight 1:2 home loss. The Swedish side tops group F after two wins, defeating Polish side GKS Tychy on the first game day 6:2. Overall, the Caps played 15 road games in Champions Hockey League, winning six.

Patrick Peter, defender VIC: „We need to step on and adjust our play in the own and neutral zone. We made too many mistakes on our own, both opponents benefited on that.”

Dave Cameron, head coach VIC: „Europe’s best teams compete in Champions Hockey League. To get points in Sweden, everybody needs to have his a-game available. The last games showed, that we are on the right track.”

Champions Hockey League, game day 3:
Friday, September 6th, 6 pm: Tappara Tampere – EC-KAC
Friday, September 6th, 6 pm: Djurgarden Stockholm – spusu Vienna Capitals
Both games will be broadcasted live on www.championshockeyleague.com.

Six friendlies scheduled on Friday
On Friday, six preseason games are scheduled. The EC Panaceo VSV travels to “SWB-Energie-Cup” at Bremerhaven facing host Fischtown Pinguins. Esbjerg Energy (DEN) and Kristianstands IK (SWE) compete in the second semi. Further, the EC Red Bull Salzburg plays its lone preseason home game, hosting Slovakian side HC Slovan Bratislava. While the HC Orli Znojmo and the Dornbirn Bulldogs finish the preseason, the HCB Südtirol Alperia and the HC TWK Innsbruck head into the second last preparatory game.

Preseason Spiele am Freitag:
Fr, 06.09.2019: HC Orli Znojmo – Dresdner Löwen (17:30)
Fr, 06.09.2019: Fischtown Pinguins - EC Panaceo VSV (Turnier in Bremerhaven, 20:00)
Fr, 06.09.2019: HC Pustertal Wölfe – HCB Südtirol Alperia (Bruneck, 20:30)
Fr, 06.09.2019: Rapperswil-Jona – Dornbirn Bulldogs (19:45)
Fr, 06.09.2019: HC TWK Innsbruck „Die Haie“ – Straubing Tigers (19:15)
Fr, 06.09.2019: EC Red Bull Salzburg - HC Slovan Bratislava (18:30)

Here you find Erste Bank Eishockey Liga’s full preseason schedule.

Fotocredit: (c) CHL Wolfgang Jannach