Release from 17.03.2025

Semifinals Set to Begin

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The fourth and final semifinalist was only determined on Sunday evening, as the Steinbach Black Wings Linz secured their spot. However, there is no time to rest: The semifinals of the win2day ICE Hockey League get underway on Tuesday. The Black Wings, who advanced through a record-breaking series, will face Regular Season Champion EC-KAC (live on ORF Sport+), while EC Red Bull Salzburg, the only team with an eight-day break, hosts HCB Südtirol Alperia (live on PULS 24 and DAZN Italy).

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EC-KAC vs. Steinbach Black Wings Linz | LIVE on ORF Sport+
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will be played on March 18, 2025, at a sold-out Heidi Horten Arena in Klagenfurt, with ORF Sport+ broadcasting live from 19:15 CET. EC-KAC secured its semifinal spot in dominant fashion, winning their series against HC Pustertal 4-2. Meanwhile, the Black Wings Linz reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018 after a dramatic Game 7 overtime victory against the Graz99ers. Their series, featuring six overtime games, was one of the most intense in league history, extending by a total of more than 91 extra minutes.

Interestingly, history suggests this grueling battle could be an advantage: 12 of the last 15 teams that won a decisive Game 7 also won their following series opener. Linz’s road record against EC-KAC further tilts the odds in their favor – with 39 wins in 77 away games since the league's reformation in 2000, they remain the only current team in the win2day ICE Hockey League with a positive all-time away record in Klagenfurt. However, the "Red Jackets" have historically been dominant in the semifinals: Before this season, they reached 15 semifinal series since the league's reformation and advanced to the finals on 11 occasions.

EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia | LIVE on PULS 24 and DAZN Italy
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series between EC Red Bull Salzburg and HCB Südtirol Alperia takes place on Tuesday at 19:30 CET at the Eisarena Salzburg, live on PULS 24 and DAZN Italia. Over the years, this matchup has developed into a true playoff classic. This marks the fifth time these teams meet in a postseason series – and every previous series has gone the full distance.

Salzburg emerged victorious in their last two encounters (2023 Finals, 2024 Semifinals), while Bolzano claimed the championship series in 2014 and 2018. Interestingly, the Red Bulls have lost Game 1 in all four previous series – three times at home and once in Bolzano. However, this season favors Salzburg, as they won three of the four head-to-head matchups, including two dominant victories on home ice.

Both teams boast some of the league’s best defensive records. Bolzano allowed the fewest goals in the regular season (113 GA), while Salzburg had the fifth-best defense (130 GA). The Red Bulls continued to showcase their defensive strength in the playoffs, conceding just five goals in four games against Székesfehérvár. Bolzano, which eliminated VSV in six games, allowed 14 goals in the process.

March 18, 2025 – win2day ICE Hockey League Semifinals

19:15 CET – EC-KAC vs. Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Referees: HRONSKY, OFNER, Konc, Zgonc | LIVE on ORF Sport+

19:30 CET – EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
Referees: HUBER, NIKOLIC K., Nothegger, Puff | LIVE on PULS 24