Salzburg defends title in win2day ICE Hockey League

In a sold-out Sparkasse Arena in Bolzano, the two teams delivered an intense hockey already in the first minutes. The first big chance came for the home side on the power play in the person of Christian Thomas. However, as so often in this final series - in the first six final games there was only one power play goal - the first PP of this evening remained without any countable success. Subsequently, neither HCB Südtirol Alperia nor EC Red Bull had any big chances, even though the Foxes had more of the first period. Both finalists brought pucks to the net very often, but in total remained too harmless to overcome the goalies, who already knew how to shine several times in this final series, in the first period.

After the restart, the guests set the first offensive accents, but overall it remained an even match. Bolzano had the first good chance when Salzburg goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen saved from the onrushing Angelo Miceli. In the 26th minute Peter Hochkofler had to go to the penalty bench and the home side took advantage of this numerical superiority: Cole Hults scored from the blue line, Tolvanen's view was blocked. It was the second playoff goal for the 24-year-old defender. In further consequence, the Red Bulls came to powerplays twice in a row. The Salzburg team was in promising positions a couple of times, but again failed to score. The period came to an end after another goalless overtime for HCB at 1-0.

In the third period, Bolzano seemed more present at the beginning, acted defensively without compromise and allowed little. And the home team also had chances, as Daniel Frank failed to score in the 48th minute against the perfectly disposed Atte Tolvanen. Salzburg then began to build up pressure steadily, establishing itself more and more in the offensive zone. The equalizer came in the 51st minute, as Thomas Raffl scored from the high slot, assisted by Nicolai Meyer. Florian Baltram blocked Sam Harvey's view with a strong screen. Bolzano then got another power play, taking some of the wind out of the guests' blessings, before Salzburg added another in the final minutes. Chay Genowy took a shot from the blue line with 108 seconds left and Nicolai Meyer skillfully deflected. The goal was confirmed after video review because of potential high stick. Bolzano quickly pulled Goalie Harvey, put a lot of pressure again with 6-on-5, but could not force overtime.

win2day ICE Hockey League | 21.04.2023 | Finals Game 7 | Results:
HCB Südtirol Alperia - EC Red Bull Salzburg 1:2 (0:0, 1:0, 0:2)
Referees: K. NIKOLIC, STERNAT, Nothegger, Seewald. | Spectators: 6.800
„best-of-7“ series: 3:4
Goal HCB: Hults C. (27./PP1)
Goals RBS: Raffl (51.), Meyer (59.)