Release from 29.08.2019

Vienna and Graz kick off Champions Hockey League group stage

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While the EC-KAC opens Champions Hockey League tonight, Thursday, the spusu Vienna Capitals and the Moser Medical Graz99ers kicks off their participation on Friday. With facing DEL champion Adler Mannheim (GER) the Viennese start their sixth consecutive CHL season. The Styrian make their debut on the road, playing against defending champion Frölunda Indians (SWE). Further, three Erste Bank Eishockey Liga teams play friendlies on Friday too. The HCB Südtirol Alperia meets Rytiri Kladno (CZE) with Jaromir Jagr. 

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Vienna takes on DEL champion in CHL
In their sixth consecutive season the spusu Vienna Capitals take on DEL champion Adler Mannheim in their Champions Hockey League opening game. During the last five seasons the Viennese celebrated two wins in opening games (2014 vs. Färjestad 4:1, 2016 vs. Skelleftea 3:2 OT). Overall, the Caps won twelve out of 30 CHL games. After one season, reigning German champion Adler Mannheim is back in Champions Hockey League, participating for the fifth time. The “eagles” played five preparatory games so far, posting three wins, while the Austrian side won two of its three preseason games.

Dominic Hackl, defender VIC: „We are ready to take on Mannheim and are well prepared. We had a successful dress rehearsal against Berlin and will connect to that performance.”

Dave Cameron, headcoach VIC: „We are looking forward to a successful opener against Mannheim in the group stage. Our main goal is reaching the next phase, therefor we need to show our best hockey in every single game.”

Graz debuts against CHL champion
On Friday, the Moser Medical Graz99ers make their debut in Champions Hockey League, hitting the road against reigning CHL champion Frölunda Indians (SWE). With Oliver Setzinger, Travis Oleksuk and Julian Pauschenwein, Graz has the full roster available in the opening game. The Swedish side is one out of five teams always participating in CHL, winning the title three times (2016, 2017, 2019). Further they won the domestic league past season. Both teams played four friendlies during the preseason. While Graz participated in “Köln-Cup” and faced Stavanger Oilers (NOR), the “Indians” exclusive meets Scandinavian teams, getting three preseason wins.

Oliver Setzinger, captain G99: „We had strong opponents in a successful preseason. But it will be a very tough battle against one of Europe’s best teams. I can promise you, that we will fight for the win.”

Sebastian Collberg, forward G99: „As a team we improve day by day and are looking forward to the opening game in Sweden. Frölunda is tough to play, won CHL and the Swedish league past season. They play with a high intensity we need to match up.”

Champions Hockey League, 1st game day:
Fr, 30. August, 18:00: Frölunda Indians (SWE) – Moser Medical Graz99ers
Fr, 30. August, 19:30: spusu Vienna Capitals – Adler Mannheim (GER)
Both games will be broadcasted live on Champions Hockey League.

Bolzano hosts Jagr-team in “Südtirol Summer Classic”
The HCB Südtirol Alperia hosts the “Südtirol Summer Classic” on the upcoming weekend, with Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers Nürnberg (GER), Stavanger Oilers (GER) and Rytiri Klado (CZE) are invited. With taking on Klado and world famous Jaromir Jagr, the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga side opens the tournament on Friday. The 47-year-old two-time world champion and Stanley Cup winner promoted his team to Tipsport Extraliga past season, posting thirteen points in the qualification round. Jagr was at the “foxes” back in 1994, winning the 6 nations tournament. Former Austrian national team player André Lakos is on the Czech side too. Further, the HC TWK Innsbruck “Die Haie” and the Dornbirn Bulldogs are heading into scrimmages this Friday.

Preseason games on Friday:
Fr, 30.08.2019: HCB Südtirol Alperia – Rytiri Kladno (20:00)
Fr, 30.08.2019: Dornbirn Bulldogs – EHC Visp (18:00)
Fr, 30.08.2019: HC Thurgau – HC TWK Innsbruck „Die Haie“ (20:00)