Max Wilfan: "We've grown closer and closer as a team"

The EK Zeller Eisbären also won their third semi-final clash with the Wipptal Broncos Weihenstephan in front of over 2,500 fans on Saturday. The team from Pinzgau prevailed 4:1 and secured match pucks. "We showed the playoff virtues that were necessary to win this game. Our penalty killing was great, we blocked shots and in the end we were patient enough and also scored at the right moments. It was a cohesive team performance," says Max Wilfan, who recorded one goal and two assists, looking back. After eleven years in Lustenau, the 34-year-old moved to Zell am See before the start of the season and quickly became a mainstay of the team. With nine points (3G, 6A), Wilfan is even the best EKZ scorer in the current playoffs. "I'm pleased that I can play my part in the team's success. I also have my team-mates to thank for that. Our line is working very well at the moment. Nevertheless, personal success is worth nothing in the end if you don't win the last game of the season. I'm at an advanced age in ice hockey and I really want to win another title. That's worth much more than individual statistics.

The team from Zell has been showing top performances and team unity for months. After winning the regular season, the Salzburg side also finished the Master Round in first place. Head coach Marcel Rodman's team is still unbeaten in the play-offs after seven games - the only team to do so. "The confidence in the locker room is just right. Big enough to be successful at the moment, but not too big that you underestimate any opponent or take games lightly. Because we know that we can only be successful if everyone does their job 100%," explains Wilfan, who has already experienced a lot in his career and talks about a process: "We have a very special team with plenty of quality. But quality alone is not enough in the playoffs. Everyone in our team knows where they stand and accepts their role. The coach has moulded us over the course of the season and we've come closer and closer together as a team."

On Tuesday (8pm, LIVE on valcome.tv), Zell am See has its first chance to become the first Austrian team to reach an AHL final. It will be Max Wilfan's 400th game in the Alps Hockey League. With 420 points, the Klagenfurt native leads the league's all-time scoring list, just ahead of Ritten's Simon Kostner (417). The Pinzgau team won the first semi-final clash in Sterzing 4:2 and Wilfan, who recorded two assists in that game, knows what will be decisive again. "It will be very important that we play our game from start to finish. In concrete terms, that means playing hard and fast hockey. We also have to stay out of the penalty box, be patient and capitalise on our chances".