South Tyrol Derby Kicks Off an Intense ICE Weekend Before National Team Break

KAC vs. Innsbruck
In the ICE Hockey League, EC-KAC faces HC Innsbruck under contrasting circumstances. KAC, currently seventh, gained some breathing room after three losses with a comeback win against the Vienna Capitals (5-3). Despite some absences and weak puck possession stats, last year's runner-up aims to show stability at home but needs to improve its power play, which recently yielded no goals. Innsbruck, sitting in twelfth place, continues to struggle offensively, having lost six of its last seven games. Especially troubling are its low scoring and ineffective power play. Both teams are in dire need of a win – KAC to solidify its position, and Innsbruck to climb out of the standings' bottom.

Linz vs. Graz
The Steinbach Black Wings Linz host the Moser Medical Graz99ers following a brief break. Linz, fresh off a spectacular overtime win in Villach, looks to regain its rhythm. Consistency has been an issue lately, as penalties and individual errors set Linz back in recent games. The Graz99ers, who slipped slightly after a strong start to the season, remain in the league's top three. However, they only won three of their last eight games. In their first-season clash with Linz, Graz pulled off a 2-0 shutout.

Salzburg vs. VSV
EC Red Bull Salzburg and EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV face each other for the first time this season. Salzburg, currently in fourth, enters the home game with high confidence after two strong away wins against Innsbruck and Bolzano. Villach, in eleventh place, had a rocky season start but showed improvement with a recent derby win against KAC. The matchup promises extra excitement as four former Salzburg players, including goalie Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, play for Villach. Salzburg hopes to capitalize on its home advantage, while Villach aims to secure more points to climb the standings.

Bolzano vs. Pustertal
The South Tyrol Derby between HC Pustertal and HCB Südtirol Alperia promises an emotional and intense battle. The sold-out Intercable Arena in Bruneck hosts the second derby of the season and the 196th clash between these rivals. A trend suggests both teams struggle on home ice – Pustertal has only won one of its last six home derbies, while Bolzano has won three of seven. HC Pustertal enters the game strengthened by six wins in its last eight games, recently securing a 7-2 victory over Asiago. HCB Südtirol Alperia must defend its top position in two crucial games within 24 hours.

Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Pioneers Vorarlberg
The Pioneers travel with confidence after an intense training week and a successful weekend to Ljubljana, despite missing key players like Jacob Friend and Daniel Woger. Head Coach Dylan Stanley is pleased to have Julian Metzler back, along with the debut of young talent Ben Summer to strengthen the offense. Ljubljana recently suffered two tough home losses and now faces two more home games within 24 hours to get back on track.

Asiago vs. Fehérvár
In the matchup between Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey and Hydro Fehérvár AV19, two of the league's strongest teams currently go head-to-head. Asiago won four of its last six games, delivering several upsets against top contenders, most recently two wins over the Graz99ers. Fehérvár, however, is the team to beat, as they arrive in Northern Italy on a six-game winning streak, not having dropped a single point, which has secured them second place.

Saturday: Bolzano vs. Fehérvár
The weekend's main event takes place on Saturday between Bolzano and Hydro Fehérvár AV19. Prior to Friday’s round, the Hungarians have closed their gap to Bolzano to three points, setting the stage for a showdown for the top of the standings. In their first encounter this season, Bolzano claimed a 3-0 shutout win. However, the Hungarians will be out for revenge on Saturday.

Saturday: Ljubljana vs. Innsbruck
Olimpija Ljubljana and HC TIWAG Innsbruck are both up for double-duty within 24 hours. For Ljubljana, this marks the fourth consecutive home game. Innsbruck, meanwhile, faces a road trip through Klagenfurt before the national team break. The first matchup between these teams ended in a 3-0 shutout victory for the Sharks.

win2day ICE Hockey League, Freitag, 01.11.2024:
Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – Hydro Fehérvár AV19 17:30
Referees: GROZNIK, NIKOLIC M., Bärnthaler, Zgonc | https://live.ice.hockey/

Steinbach Black Wings Linz – Moser Medical Graz99ers 18:00
Referees: SIEGEL, SMETANA, Bedynek, Nothegger | https://live.ice.hockey/

Olimpija Ljubljana – Pioneers Vorarlberg 18:00
Referees: REZEK, STERNAT, Hribar, Jeram | https://live.ice.hockey/

EC-KAC – HC TIWAG Innsbruck 19:15
Referees: VOICAN, ZRNIC, Riecken, Weiss | https://live.ice.hockey/

EC Red Bull Salzburg – ED iDM Wärmepumpen VSV 19:15
Referees: BERNEKER, SEEWALD, Gatol-Schafranek, Wimmler | https://live.ice.hockey/

HC Pustertal – HCB Südtirol Alperia 19:45
Referees: OFNER, PIRAGIC, Puff, Sparer | https://live.ice.hockey/

win2day ICE Hockey League, Samstag, 02.11.2024:

Olimpija Ljubljana – HC TIWAG Innsbruck 18:00
Referees: NAGY, SOOS, Muzsik, Vaczi | https://live.ice.hockey/

HCB Südtirol Alperia – Hydro Fehérvár AV19 19:45
Referees: HRONSKY, HUBER A, Jedlicka, Konc | https://live.ice.hockey/

©HCB/Vanna Antonello