Release from 27.12.2024

"Grande Classico," VSV's Record Hunt, Top-6-Duel and More in the Penultimate Round of the Year

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The win2day ICE Hockey League invites fans on December 28 for the second Christmas round – the penultimate matchday of the year. In addition to the "Grande Classico" between Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – now under a new head coach – and HCB Südtirol Alperia, the spotlight is on EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV, who could equal their club record of eleven consecutive victories in Innsbruck. Additionally, Hydro Fehérvár AV19 will face X-Mas-Games specialists spusu Vienna Capitals, aiming to defend their top spot in the standings, which is also in the sights of the Foxes from South Tyrol. Another highlight of the matchday is the top-6 clash between Moser Medical Graz99ers and Steinbach Black Wings Linz.

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Hydro Fehérvár AV19 vs. spusu Vienna Capitals
League leaders Hydro Fehérvár AV19 host the spusu Vienna Capitals, who are returning to action after an extended Christmas break to start the intense final phase of the regular season. While Vienna has performed exceptionally well between Christmas and New Year in recent years, they are currently under pressure: injuries and a suspension are taking their toll on head coach Gerry Fleming's team. Fehérvár, on the other hand, ended a losing streak with a clear 4-1 victory over Linz, highlighted by a hat trick from Trevor Cheek. Despite leading the standings, the team has shown weaknesses in penalty killing. Interestingly, all previous meetings this season were won by the away team.

HC TIWAG Innsbruck vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV
Innsbruck faces a red-hot EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV, who have recently celebrated ten consecutive wins – the longest winning streak of any team this season. While Villach boasts a strong offense, Innsbruck has the league’s weakest defense. The Eagles aim to extend their impressive run against the league's bottom team. Innsbruck also struggles with a low goal-scoring output. Their key player remains goalie Evan Buitenhuis, who maintains an excellent save percentage despite the team’s inconsistent performances. VSV enters the match as the clear favorite but still has room for improvement in away games. A victory on Saturday would see the Eagles match their club record of eleven consecutive wins set in 2001 (find details here).

Moser Medical Graz99ers vs. Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Both the Graz99ers and Black Wings Linz come into this duel on the back of defeats. While Graz narrowly lost in Salzburg, Linz’s home-winning streak was decisively ended by Fehérvár. Graz announced the signing of Nick Bailen (find details here), who brings experience from the KHL and DEL to strengthen the 99ers. In this season’s head-to-head, both teams have claimed one victory each. Linz aims to rebound after their home loss, while Graz looks to secure a win in front of their home crowd after two consecutive defeats.

EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Pioneers Vorarlberg
Salzburg approaches their home game against Pioneers Vorarlberg with confidence following a win over Graz. The Pioneers recently defeated Innsbruck, shedding the league’s bottom spot, but remain underdogs against the Red Bulls, who have won all three of this season’s previous meetings. Salzburg is particularly focused on continuing to secure home points to stay competitive in the tightly contested upper part of the table. The Pioneers, buoyed by their recent success, hope to challenge the favorites once again.

Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
Asiago finds itself under pressure following a coaching change to Giorgio De Bettin (find details here), while HCB Südtirol is eager to maintain its position near the top of the standings after suffering two consecutive losses. Both teams have recently struggled with their special teams. Asiago relies on individual strengths, while Bolzano counts on the depth of their roster. This season’s previous “Grande Classicos” both ended with clear wins for the away team.

HC Pustertal vs. Olimpija Ljubljana
HC Pustertal faces a resurgent Olimpija Ljubljana, who have claimed two consecutive victories following a coaching change. The Dragons recently defeated Asiago and Salzburg and also lead the season series against Pustertal. The South Tyroleans have shown inconsistent form and need to find stability to avoid losing ground in the standings.

win2day ICE Hockey League, 28.12.2024:
5:30 PM Hydro Fehérvár AV19 – spusu Vienna Capitals 
Referees: PIRAGIC, ZRNIC, Hribar, Zgonc | >>live.ice.hockey

5:30 PM HC TIWAG Innsbruck – EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV
Referees: HUBER A., STERNAT, Nothegger, Zacherl  | >>live.ice.hockey

6:30 PM Moser Medical Graz99ers – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Referees: NAGY, SOOS, Bärnthaler, Vaczi  | >>live.ice.hockey

7:15 PM EC Red Bull Salzburg – Pioneers Vorarlberg
Referees: OFNER, SMETANA, Seewald J., Wimmler  | >>live.ice.hockey

7:45 PM Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – HCB Südtirol Alperia
Referees: NIKOLIC K., NIKOLIC M., Mantovani, Rigoni  | >>live.ice.hockey

7:45 PM HC Pustertal – Olimpija Ljubljana
Referees: BERNEKER, SCHAUER, Martin, Weiss  | >>live.ice.hockey

Foto ©HCB/Vanna Antonello