Release from 02.04.2026

Graz and Pustertal earn shutouts to take 3–0 leads in semifinal series

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The Moser Medical Graz99ers delivered a dominant performance on Thursday in Game 3 of their semifinal matchup against Hydro Fehérvár AV19. With a convincing 4–0 home victory, the Styrians took a 3–0 lead in the best-of-seven series and earned their first chance to clinch a spot in the finals. HC Falkensteiner Pustertal also needs just one more win to reach the finals for the first time. The South Tyroleans shut out HK Olimpija Ljubljana once again, winning 3–0. Austin Rueschhoff matched the record for the fastest playoff goal, while goaltender Eddie Pasquale recorded his third consecutive shutout.

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The Graz side started the match with immense pressure. From the outset, AVS goalkeeper Rasmus Reijola was at the centre of attention. After the visitors had survived a power play, the first goal came in the eighth minute: Paul Huber was in the right place at the right time following a breakaway by Nico Brunner and converted to make it 1–0. Even after taking the lead, the hosts remained the clearly superior side, weathered a two-man disadvantage unscathed and capitalised on a two-man advantage of their own: Lukas Haudum set up Paul Huber in the slot, who slotted home for his second goal (20th minute). In the second period, the hosts continued to dictate the play but were initially unable to extend their lead. At the start of the final period, however, Reijola was beaten once again. Following a fine solo run, Kevin Roy set up Josh Currie, who made it 3-0. For the final ten minutes, Nicolas Wieser replaced the injured Maxime Lagacé in goal for Graz, racking up his first playoff minutes of the season. Kevin Conley sealed the 4-0 final score with a power-play goal.

Pustertal wins again 3-0
HC Falkensteiner Pustertal got off to a dream start in the second home game of their series against Olimpija. After just eight seconds, Austin Rueschhoff put the home side ahead in the sold-out Intercable Arena – equaling the record for the fastest playoff goal. The American won the puck, drove decisively towards goal and slotted it into the near corner. In the fifth minute, Tommy Purdeller added to the tally, making it 2-0 following a quick counter-attack. The visitors’ supposed goal to reduce the deficit was disallowed for offside. Olimpija tried hard but remained goalless for the third game in a row. Pustertal survived five shorthanded situations unscathed and could once again rely on their strong goalkeeper Eddie Pasquale – the Canadian has now gone over 268 minutes without conceding a goal. In the closing stages, Cole Bardreau secured the third 3-0 win in a row.

win2day ICE Hockey League, Semi-final 3
Thu, 02/04/2026
Moser Medical Graz99ers - Hydro Fehervar AV 19 4-0 (2-0, 0-0, 2-0)
Referees: FICHTNER, M. NIKOLIC, Nothegger, Puff
Goals G99: Huber (8th, 20th/PP2), Currie (41st), Conley (57th/PP)
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 3:0

HC Falkensteiner Pustertal - Olimpija Ljubljana 3:0 (2:0, 0:0, 1:0)
Referees: STERNAT, ZRNIC, Durmis, Jedlicka
Goals HCP: Rueschhoff (1st), Purdeller (5th), Bardreau (58th)
Standings in the best-of-7 series: 3:0

Situation reviewed via video: