Release from 08.03.2026

Salzburg Eagles secure final playoff spot | Quarterfinal matchups set

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The Salzburg Eagles claimed the final playoff berth of the European Women’s Hockey League on the last day of the regular season. In a direct showdown with Budapest Jegkorong Akademia, the Eagles earned a 4–2 victory. Aisulu Almaty and the KSV Highlanders also recorded convincing wins, although those results did not affect the final standings.

Following the final game of the regular season, the top-ranked EWHL teams were allowed to select their quarterfinal opponents.

Quarterfinal matchups:
Sabres St. Pölten – DEC Salzburg Eagles
Aisulu Almaty - VSV Lady Hawks
EVB Eagles South Tyrol - KSV Highlanders
HK PSRZ Bratislava - MAC Budapest

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The Salzburg Eagles won the decisive battle for the final quarterfinal spot against Budapest Jegkorong Akademia, completing the lineup for the EWHL playoffs. Salzburg got off to a strong start and opened the scoring just five minutes into the game. Budapest responded before the end of the first period, leveling the score.

Gabrielle Davidson Adams then put the Eagles in control, scoring late in the second period and again early in the third to complete a brace and make it 3–1. The two-goal lead, however, did not last long. Less than a minute later, Budapest cut the deficit to 2–3 and brought the game back within reach. Salzburg remained composed and eventually sealed the victory with a fourth goal. With the win, the Eagles moved ahead of Budapest in the standings and secured the final quarterfinal ticket by a single point on the last day of the regular season.

Highlanders and Almaty finish with convincing wins
The KSV Highlanders closed out the regular season with a comfortable 6–2 victory over Tauron Metropolia Silesia. The Highlanders made the better start and built a 2–0 lead by the 24th minute. The visitors battled their way back into the game and tied it by the 46th minute. However, the Highlanders shifted into another gear in the closing stages and eventually secured a clear win. Sara Confidenti and Andrea Kantorova each recorded two goals.

Defending EWHL champion Aisulu Almaty wrapped up the regular season with a commanding 7–1 win over the Graz99ers Huskies. Almaty controlled the game from the opening faceoff and allowed the Styrian side little opportunity to get into the contest. Katherina Birkby led the way with a hat trick.

Quarterfinal matchups:
Sabres St. Pölten – DEC Salzburg Eagles
Aisulu Almaty - VSV Lady Hawks
EVB Eagles South Tyrol - KSV Highlanders
HK PSRZ Bratislava - MAC Budapest

Two games will be played in each matchup. The first game will take place on 13 March at the lower-seeded team. The second game will be played on 15 March at the higher-seeded team.

Results 08.03.2026:
DEC Salzburg Eagles - Budapest Jegkorong Akademia 4:2
Aisulu Almaty - Graz99ers Huskies 7:1
KSV Highlanders - Tauron Metropolia Silesia 6:2