Release from 28.01.2024

KAC clinches playoff spot with win in Linz

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The EC-KAC became the first team in the win2day ICE Hockey League to advance to the 2024 playoffs on Sunday. The league leaders sealed their postseason ticket with a 2:1 win in Linz. While champions Salzburg returned to winning ways, Asiago Hockey dampened Pustertal's top six hopes.

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Over 4,000 fans created a great atmosphere in the LINZ AG Eisarena during the Steinbach Black Wings Linz vs EC-KAC clash. The league leaders dominated for long stretches of the first period, but Linz forward Nico Feldner missed the best chance. Things got really loud in the 25th minute when Andreas Kristler scored on power play to take the lead. But Klagenfurt struck back before the break: Simeon Schwinger had the luck he needed, the puck bounced off his skate and over the line. The Carinthians were the team that set the tone after the restart and took the lead for the first time in the 47th minute. Jan Mursak fed Nick Petersen with a cross-ice pass and the visitors' top scorer converted to make it 2:1 for the KAC. Linz then tried everything, but were unable to find a way through the Klagenfurt defence and the Red Jackets held on for their fourth win in four duels. The KAC thus also secured their place in the playoffs, while Linz remains in sixth place despite the defeat.



Salzburg back on the road to success
EC Red Bull Salzburg won their home game against EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV 4:1 and thus picked up full points again after three recent defeats. In a thrilling game in front of over 3,100 spectators at the Eisarena Salzburg, the visitors took the lead in the second period through Robert Sabolic, but the more active home side turned the game in their favour with three goals before the second break. First Dennis Robertson equalised, then Lucas Thaler put his team on the road to victory with a brace. Drake Rymsha deservedly sealed the deal in the final period. It was the sixth home win in a row for third-placed Salzburg. Villach remains in seventh place.

Asiago celebrates derby win against Pustertal
HC Pustertal missed a great opportunity to return to the top six. The eighth-placed team from Bruneck was beaten 3:6 in the derby at Asiago. The home side took the lead after just 37 seconds through Matteo Gennaro. Shortly after Rapuzzi made it 2:0, Rick Schofield reduced the deficit for the visitors, who equalised in the final period to make it 2:2 and later 3:3. Ten minutes before the end of regulation time, Asiago went ahead again thanks to an Oksanen goal in the power play. And this time the Red & Yellows not only defended their lead, they extended it. Finoro and Ierullo (EN) finally secured Asiago's first win after four previous defeats.

win2day ICE Hockey League | 28.01.2024:
EC Red Bull Salzburg - EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV 4:1 (0:0, 3:1, 1:0)
Referees: RENCZ, STERNAT, Muzsik, Nothegger.
Goals Salzburg: Robertson (31.), Thaler (38., 38.), Rymsha (54./PP)
Goal Villach: Sabolic (28./PP)

Steinbach Black Wings Linz - EC-KAC 1:2 (0:0, 1:1, 0:1)
Referees: FICHTNER, SMETANA, Bedynek, Durmis.
Goal Linz: Kristler (25./PP),
Goals KAC: Schwinger (39.), Petersen (47.)

Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey - HC Pustertal 6:3 (2:1, 0:0, 4:2)
Referees: BERNEKER, SCHAUER, Mantovani, Rigoni.
Goals Asiago: Gennaro (1.), Rapuzzi (11.), Castlunger (44.), Oksanen (51.), Finoro (54.), Ierullo (60./EN)
Goals Pustertal: Schofield (14.), Morley (42.), Petan (49.)