Release from 01.02.2023

Exciting race for first place

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In the Alps Hockey League, six games are on the schedule again on Thursday. While Jesenice wants to continue its successful series against Red Bull Hockey Juniors in the Masterround, the pursuers Cortina and Ritten face each other. In the qualification groups, the race for the remaining playoff spots continues.

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Masterround:
Thu, 02.02.2023, 19:15: Red Bull Hockey Juniors - HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice
Referees: HLAVATY, SCHAUER, Eisl, J. Seewald | >> Livestream <<

After two defeats at the beginning of the Masterround, one goal was enough for Jesenice to get back on track against Ritten and to regain the lead in the table. Red Bull Hockey Juniors won their last two games against Unterland and are two points behind the Slovenians in fourth place. The first two duels of the season went clearly to Jesenice with 4:1 and 5:0. Salzburg's last victory dates back to 17.12.2019 (4:3 away win after overtime), it was the only Juniors win from the last eight meetings.

Thu, 02.02.2023, 20:30: S.G. Cortina Hafro - Rittner Buam SkyAlps
Referees: MOSCHEN, PINIE, Brondi, Rigoni | >> PPV-Livestream <<

The Rittner Buam SkyAlps and S.G. Cortina Hafro are tied on points in second and third place. The South Tyroleans won all three season duels so far, just last week they prevailed at home with 4:1. The Ampezzo side are also strong in front of their home crowd, having won six of their last seven games. With only three goals conceded in three games, the "Buam" currently have the best defense in the Masterround. Goalie Hayden Hawkey holds has a .931 save percentage over the entire season.

Qualification Round A:
Thu, 02.02.2023, 19:15: Steinbach Steel Wings Linz - EK Die Zeller Eisbären
Referees: BRUNNER, WIDMANN, Matthey, Wucherer | >> PPV-Livestream <<

After three games in the intermediate round, the Steel Wings have only one point on their account. The Upper Austrians have to start a winning streak to still be in the race for the pre-playoffs. The situation is different for Zell am See, who are already seven points ahead of fourth place. In the three season duels so far, there have always been home victories (2x EKZ, 1x SWL), most recently the Salzburgers won 4:3 at the start of the Qualiciation Round after trailing 1:3.

Thu, 02.02.2023, 20:00: Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan - HC Gherdeina valgardena.it
Referees: GIACOMOZZI, STEFENELLI, Bedana, Cristeli | >> PPV-Livestream <<

With eight points from four games, Val Gardena is currently in second place, while Sterzing has six points (with one game less) and is in fourth place. Due to the tight constellation in the standings, Thursday's clash has great importance for both teams. The previous three Broncos games in the intermediate round were decided by only one goal difference, twice the Sterzing team had to admit defeat. Val Gardena recently conceded three away defeats.

Qualification Round B:
Thu, 02.02.2023, 19:30: EHC Lustenau - EC-KAC Future Team
Referees: LEHNER, RUETZ, Kübler, Spiegel | >> PPV-Livestream <<

In their fourth game of the intermediate round, the team of EHC Lustenau hosts the Future Team of EC KAC. With a full success after regulation, the Vorarlberg team can overtake the match-free team from Kitzbühel and take the lead in the standings. The "Lions" have won all three games of the Qualification Round so far, while the Klagenfurt side is at the bottom of the table with only two points. In the three season meetings between the two teams so far, EHC Lustenau has emerged victorious in each of the duels. Two 4:0 victories and one 5:0 win went to the EHC.

Thu, 02.02.2023, 20:30: HC Meran/o Pircher - EC Bregenzerwald
Referees: BENVEGNU, LAZZERI, De Zordo, Fleischmann | >> PPV-Livestream <<

Meran and Bregenzerwald are currently dueling for third place. Although the South Tyroleans have suffered three defeats in the intermediate round so far and conceded 16 goals, they are currently ahead. The Vorarlbergers have only had two appearances, and after a draw after 60 minutes they picked up the extra point each time. This was also the case last weekend, when the "Wälder" managed to beat Meran for the first time in the current season (4:3 after overtime).

Photo: Max Pattis