Release from 11.01.2025
The race for the six direct qualification spots for the quarterfinals of the win2day ICE Hockey League is heating up. The top seven teams are tightly grouped—at least one of them will have to take the detour through the pre-playoffs. Sunday’s schedule features two thrilling direct matchups among the top seven: EC Red Bull Salzburg faces Steinbach Black Wings Linz in a battle for fourth place, while EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV, currently sitting seventh and clinging to the last non-quarterfinal spot, hosts HCB Südtirol Alperia. In total, six games will take place on Sunday, all of which could have a significant impact on the standings.
EC Red Bull Salzburg – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
In a head-to-head fight for fourth place, Red Bull Salzburg hosts the Steinbach Black Wings Linz. Both teams come into the game on a two-game winning streak and aim to continue their positive momentum. Salzburg coach Oliver David highlights Linz’s physicality, which frequently troubles their opponents. The Red Bulls have impressed offensively, winning four of their last five games, while Linz stabilized after a five-game losing streak, delivering strong performances against Villach and Vienna. Linz leads the season series 2–1, but Salzburg could level it with their home advantage. The derby atmosphere, fueled by the support of both fanbases, adds extra intensity to this matchup.
Pioneers Vorarlberg – Moser Medical Graz99ers
After three consecutive wins, the Pioneers Vorarlberg have climbed back into contention for the top 10. Their derby victory against Innsbruck on Friday showcased defensive stability and a standout performance by goalie David Madlener. However, the Moser Medical Graz99ers, a top team, come to Vorarlberg under pressure to secure a direct quarterfinal berth after a narrow loss to league leaders Fehérvár. Graz relies on team cohesion and has won two of their three meetings with the Pioneers this season. The hosts hope to capitalize on their home advantage and extend their winning streak to move further up the tight mid-table standings.
HC Pustertal – Hydro Fehérvár AV19
League leaders Fehérvár visit an energized HC Pustertal, who recently made headlines with a win over Klagenfurt. Key players Tommy Purdeller, who scored the game-winner, and Brett Findlay shone in that game. The Hungarians defended their top spot with a victory over Graz and are focused on maintaining consistency as the playoffs approach. Fehérvár leads the season series 2–1, but Pustertal surprised everyone in their last encounter with a commanding 7–2 victory, featuring two goals each from Purdeller and Mikael Fraycklund. This game will pit Fehérvár’s efficient offense against Pustertal’s gritty style of play.
EC-KAC – spusu Vienna Capitals
After a loss to Pustertal, the Red Jackets aim to extend their impressive home-winning streak of eight games. With a 38:12 goal record during this stretch, EC-KAC ranks among the league’s strongest home teams. They also lead the league offensively, averaging 3.72 goals per game. Klagenfurt has only lost two of their last 14 games and wants a win against Vienna to solidify their second-place position. The Capitals, sitting in 10th place, boast a solid away record with 30 road points, far better than their home performance. However, injuries plague the team, with seven players, including key contributors Tyler Parks and Brett Kemp, sidelined. Despite these setbacks, the Capitals showed strong team spirit in their last game against Asiago. Jeremy Grégoire and Zane Franklin stand out as a dynamic scoring duo. Klagenfurt dominated their last meeting on New Year’s Day, but the Capitals are determined to snap their losing streak in the Heidi Horten Arena.
EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV – HCB Südtirol Alperia
Villach faces a crucial home game against third-placed HCB Südtirol after a tough week that ended with a clear loss to Linz. After an impressive 11-game winning streak in December, VSV has struggled with inconsistency but remains a strong contender for the top six. Defensive lapses and unstable penalty killing have been problematic. Südtirol, having won their last three games against Villach, also arrives with mixed results. The start of 2025 hasn’t brought much consistency for the team led by top scorer Adam Helewka, who is now sidelined with an injury. Pascal Brunner’s return from illness could add some depth to coach Doug Hanlon’s squad. Both teams are under pressure to secure critical points for playoff positioning.
Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – Olimpija Ljubljana
Asiago hosts Ljubljana in a pivotal matchup for both teams. The home team, coming off a narrow loss in Vienna, is fighting to stay in the top 10, while Olimpija looks to maintain its lead over the chasing pack. Under new coach Andrej Tavzelj, the Slovenians have shown tactical discipline, with offensive leaders like Robert Sabolic and Nick Bonino standing out. Asiago, struggling with injuries, hopes to have key players return in time. Their strong home performances this season could give them an edge against the in-form “Dragons” from Ljubljana.
win2day ICE Hockey League, Sonntag 12. Jänner:
15:00 EC Red Bull Salzburg – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Referees: PIRAGIC, STERNAT, Weiss, Zgonv | >> live.ice.hockey
16:00 Pioneers Vorarlberg – Moser Medical Graz99ers
Referees: BERNEKER, NIKOLIC K, Martin, Seewald J| >> live.ice.hockey
16:00 HC Pustertal – Hydro Fehérvár AV19
Referees: GROZNIK, OFNER, Pardatscher, Zacherl | >> live.ice.hockey
17:30 EC-KAC – spusu Vienna Capitals
Referees: HRONSKY, HUBER A, Bärnthaler, Konc | >> live.ice.hockey
17:30 EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV – HCB Südtirol Alperia
Referees: REZEK, SMETANA, Hribar, Riecken | >> live.ice.hockey
17:30 Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – Olimpija Ljubljana
Referees: NIKOLIC M, SCHAUER, Mantovani, Rigoni | >> live.ice.hockey
Foto: ©Krammer/VSV