ICE Hockey League 2021-2022 (Salzburg wins championship)

[Theokritos]

Game on Tuesday:

Bratislava vs Salzburg 0-1 OT
Salzburg's B team was outplayed soundly in the first period, but got away without a goal against. They got better as the game went on and in the end it was a close game overall that was decided in OT after a blunder by Bratislava defenceman Tyler Nanne: he inexplicably bodychecked his teammate Tor Immo who carried the puck, which led to a fatal turnover in the defensive zone and the game-winner for Salzburg.

Games tomorrow:

Free stream:​

Salzburg vs Vienna
19:30 CET = 13:30 EST
In previous years always a top encounter, but Salzburg is having a lot of injured players right now and Vienna is struggling this season. Can the Capitals continue their very recent upward trend? Will Salzburg get a few players back in time? Hard to make a prediction here.
Stream: Die ICE Hockey League auf PULS 24 | PULS 24

Pay streams (€6,90):​

Fehervar vs Linz
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
In their last two games Linz was able to grind out close wins, but Fehervar should have what it takes to put them in their place in this match.
Stream: https://live.ice.hockey/watch/game/1fq8r5c5jomkue633uw

Dornbirn vs Znojmo
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
The home team has played solid hockey lately and the visitors from Moravia will have to tighten up if they want to avoid the third defeat in a row.
Stream: https://live.ice.hockey/watch/game/2woy5k0lxzrkue633uw

Bratislava vs Graz
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
Graz is struggling and their coach will have to get results soon if he wants to keep his job. For Bratislava on the other hand, this game is a good opportunity to add 3 points and to consolidate their spot in the top 10.
Stream: https://live.ice.hockey/watch/game/5ackng8xc72kue633uw

Pustertal vs Innsbruck
19:45 CET = 13:45 EST
Both teams have been struggling, but Pustertal more than Innsbruck lately. The game could go either way, although Innsbruck really shouldn't walk away empty-handed here if they want to make the pre-playoff cut (top 10).
Stream: https://live.ice.hockey/watch/game/59k671qee1okue633ux

Ljubljana vs Villach
19:45 CET = 13:45
Two of the best teams in the league right now! A great test for both clubs. Villach, in particular, has the chance to show that they belong with the top teams this season.
Stream: https://live.ice.hockey/watch/game/vcx53hw9v1ikue633ux

No stream:​

Klagenfurt vs Bolzano
The two finalists of last season. Neither has lived up to the expectations so far. Based on how they've performed in the weeks before, I like Bolzano's chances if only they can
show some consistency.

 

[Theokritos]

Yesterday's results:

Salzburg vs Vienna 1-0 SO
The home team was hoping a few players would return from injury – but in reality the list got even longer! Fortunately for the massively depleted Red Bulls, Vienna took a step backward and showed a weak performance. A pretty forgettable game that remained scoreless through 60 minutes and overtime. Salzburg won the shootout.

Fehervar vs Linz 6-1
As expected, Fehervar handed Linz easily. The visitors started decently but then folded after getting scored on. That decided the game early on. Score after the first period: 3-0 Fehervar. After that, the home team sat back and Linz had a bit more of the game, but only scored once while Fehervar added three more goals. Good powerplay workout for the Hungarian club (three goals on four opportunities).

Dornbirn vs Znojmo 1-5
After going ahead 1-0 very early, the home team took the first period off while the offensively dangerous Znojmo team came out with all guns blazing and turned that one-goal deficit into a 4-1 lead! Early in the second period, a fifth goal followed. Afterwards Dornbirn played better (maybe because Znojmo took the foot off the gas a bit), but were held scoreless. Great game by Znojmo, they bounced back impressively from their recent losing streak and proved once again they have goals in them. Dornbirn, to be fair, had their share of chances in the second and third period and could have made the result closer.

Bratislava vs Graz 1-5
Finally a sign of life from Graz! The home team looked flat, went behind 0-1 in the first period and then 0-3 in the second. In the third period Graz killed the clock and when Bratislava finally got a goal, the 99ers answered with the 4-1 right away. A late powerplay goal sealed the result. Is this the turnaround Graz has been waiting for or was it just an exceptionally weak showing by Bratislava?

Pustertal vs Innsbruck 3-4
A bad game by Pustertal who are slipping into a crisis. Innsbruck was able to cruise to a 2-0 lead in the first period, then make it 3-0 early in the second. Pustertal made it 3-1 with a goal that looked like obvious goaltender interference. The visitors countered with a shorthanded goal for the 4-1 right away, but a little later Pustertal got another goal. The score remained 4-2 almost until the end of the game when Pustertal scored their third goal, but Innsbruck survived the last minutes of the game with the lead.

Ljubljana vs Villach 6-0
Villach took a crack at a top team and fell flat on the face. In the first period they created their chances, but didn't finish them. At the other end, individual blunders by the VSV defencemen and the goaltender were taken advantage of by Ljubljana with cool efficiency – after 22 minutes, the score was 3-0 even though the game had not been that uneven! But afterwards Ljubljana outskated and outplayed Villach for the rest of the game and scored three more unanswered goals. VSV has the roster to compete with the top teams, but they're not there yet. Very good performance by the home team.

Klagenfurt vs Bolzano 4-2
KAC showed a strong first period and earned a 1-0 lead. In the second period, Bolzano came out stronger and got two quick goals to pull ahead, but then they faded again as the period went on. Score after 40 minutes: 2-2. In the last period, Klagenfurt was the better team again and worked out the win with two more goals. The home team showed more individual skill, the visitors had good stretches but still aren't delivering consistently.

TABLE (points per game):

1. Ljubljana 2.36
2. Fehervar 2.18
3. Klagenfurt 1.81
4. Salzburg 1.75
5. Znojmo 1.63 (+7)
6. Dornbirn 1.63 (-1)
7. Bolzano 1.50
8. Innsbruck 1.50
9. Villach 1.40
10. Bratislava 1.27
11. Vienna 1.09 (-3)
12. Graz 1.09 (-11)
13. Pustertal 0.90
14. Linz 0.81

Game today:

Innsbruck vs Znojmo
Both teams won their game yesterday, but Znojmo looked a lot more impressive. A good chance for the Czech side to consolidate their spot in the top 6.

Signing:

 

[Theokritos]

Weekend results:

Innsbruck vs Znojmo 2-1
Znojmo created chances, but Innsbruck had their best performance of the season so far, worked well against the puck and showed some good combinations too. The home team went ahead 1-0 in the first period, then made it 2-0 in the second. In the last period Znojmo took over and made the result close (2-1), but couldn't get the tying goal.

Graz vs Salzburg 3-2 OT
The home team scored two very early goals to go ahead 2-0. But it's telling for the state Graz is in that this wasn't enough against the still depleted Red Bulls: Salzburg made it 2-1 on a shorthanded goal in the second period and then took over in the third and tied the game. After a scoreless overtime, Graz won the SO. A moral success for Salzburg and Graz barely escaped another painful blow.

Vienna vs Pustertal 3-0
A step forward for Vienna? Maybe, but it's hard to tell since Pustertal is not much a benchmark right now. The Capitals got the lead very early on, then made it 2-0 before the first period was over. I guess one could say that Vienna showed defensive improvement. In the last period, they scored another goal and put the outcome beyond doubt.

Fehervar vs Klagenfurt 2-3 OT
Good performance by both teams in a tight and intense battle. In the first two periods Klagenfurt went ahead two times, but Fehervar managed to tie the game both times. The third period was less evenly played as Klagenfurt outplayed the home team, but couldn't score. However, they proceeded to get the winner in OT.

Linz vs Villach 3-4 OT
Villach looked rattled after their 0-6 defeat against Ljubljana and didn't play a good game. Linz had the better over the first two periods and got a deserved 3-1 lead. VSV finally got themselves together in the third period, but couldn't score for a long time – but then scored two goals in the very last minute of the regular 60 to turn the 3-1 into a 3-3! Linz was shocked and in overtime Villach added the winning goal right right away. 3 goals within 90 seconds turned a 3-1 into a 3-4. Overall a decent performance by Linz despite giving away the win. Villach was out of step for 60 minutes.

Dornbirn vs Ljubjana 3-4
Decent game and a close match for two periods that Ljubljana nevertheless came out of with a 3-1 lead. In the last period Dornbirn was the better team, put on the pressure and scored two goals to make it 3-3. The game seemed to be heading to overtime – until Ljubljana scored another one just 40 seconds before the end. Galling for Dornbirn to come out of this match empty-handed.

Bolzano vs Bratislava 3-5
A letdown by Bolzano. They conceded a quick goal against and didn't do much in the first period. They played with more energy in the second, scored three goals (and missed chances at more) – but not without conceding two themselves. And in the last period Bratislava went ahead again. In the end, an empty netter sealed the away win. Bolzano coach Doug Mason claimed he saw a step forward by his team. I'm not sure Bolzano fans would agree. Result-wise, this loss hurts Bolzano in the standing and they'll face some tougher opponents (Fehervar, Klagenfurt) soon. A missed chance.

Standing (points per game):

1. Ljubljana 2.41
2. Fehervar 2.08
3. Klagenfurt 1.83
4. Salzburg 1.69
5. Innsbruck 1.61
6. Znojmo 1.50 (+6)
7. Dornbirn 1.50 (-2)
8. Villach 1.45
9. Bratislava 1.41
10. Bolzano 1.36
11. Vienna 1.25
12. Graz 1.16
13. Pustertal 0.83 (-15)
14. Linz 0.83 (-18)

Games tomorrow:

Free stream:​

Innsbruck vs Dornbirn
16:30 CET = 10:30 EST
Die ICE Hockey League auf PULS 24 | PULS 24

Pustertal vs Bolzano
19:30 CET = 13:30 EST
Die ICE Hockey League auf PULS 24 | PULS 24

Pay stream:​

Linz vs Vienna
17:30 CET = 11:30 EST
ICE Hockey League TV

Znojmo vs Salzburg
18:30 CET = 12:30 EST
https://live.ice.hockey/watch/game/id6gjtfn74kuxwvtw7

Villach vs Fehervar
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
ICE Hockey League TV

Bratislava vs Klagenfurt
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
ICE Hockey League TV

No stream:​

Graz vs Ljubljana
17:30 CET = 11:30 EST

 

[Theokritos]

Yesterday's results:

Innsbruck vs Dornbirn 6-3
A tight fight for 50 minutes. Dornbirn had a bit of an edge in the first period and went ahead 1-0. Going into the second period, they caught Innsbruck napping and scored the 2-0 goal. However, the home team had its share of chances too and made it 2-1 before the period was over. Plenty of excitement in the third period as Innsbruck scored two more to take the lead (3-2), then conceded the tying goal right away, then went ahead again (4-3). The home team played with more energy now and proceeded to add two more goals in the last ten minutes of the game.

Linz vs Vienna 4-5 SO
Vienna started well, got a 2-1 lead in the first period and added a third goal at the beginning of the second period. Then Linz took over and scored three unanswered goals to turn the 1-3 deficit into a 4-3 lead. In the last period, Vienna had the edge again and managed to tie the game. No goals in OT, so the shootout had to decide and Vienna took it.

Graz vs Ljubljana 3-6
The home team attacked – and conceded one goal after the other. After 22 minutes, the score was 4-0 for Ljubljana and the outcome a foregone conclusion. For the rest of the match, both teams traded goals without any prospect for Graz to turn the game around.

Znojmo vs Salzburg 3-1
A close game in which both teams had their chances. Znojmo created more opportunities early on, but the score was 1-1 after two periods. In the third Salzburg (with several players back from injury: Thomas Raffl, Paul Huber, Alexander Pallestrang) put on the pressure but couldn't score while Znojmo made it 2-1 on the individual skill of their topscorer Anthony Luciani. An empty-net goal sealed the outcome.



Villach vs Fehervar 2-3 OT
VSV with a good game. They outplayed and outshot Fehervar and got a well-earned 2-1 lead, but wasted plenty of chances to score more. It came back to haunt them when Fehervar tied the score late in the third period and added the winner in overtime. Another issue: Villach's goaltender Bernard gifted the visitors two goals. It wasn't the first time this season and he's worn out his welcome exhaustively by now. Both teams were unfortunate to lose key players (Fraser for Villach, Hari and Nilsson for Fehervar) to injury over the course of this game.

Bratislava vs Klagenfurt 6-2
What a crazy season. Klagenfurt defeats a strong Fehervar team, then proceeds to crap the bed against Bratislava. After 35 so-so minutes KAC was ahead 2-1, but then their lazy effort (plenty of turnovers, lack of defensive work) ended up hurting them badly: Bratislava scored two unanswered goals to get the lead and then added three more goals in the third period. A solid game by the home team, but Klagenfurt gave a forgettable performance that cannot be excused by the absence of their best player, Nick Petersen (injured).

Pustertal vs Bolzano 1-2
Bolzano got their must-win, though not in a convincing manner. It was a rather even battle in which Pustertal gave a good effort, but was once again lacking offensive punch. After Bolzano had gone ahead 1-0 in the first period, a powerplay goal by Pustertal's only dangerous line (the one with Johan Harju and Anthony Bardaro) tied the game in the second period. In the third, a second goal by Bolzano was enough to decide the outcome. Neither team can be really happy with the state of things right now.

Signing:

Alexander Rauchenwald (center who played for Villach until 2014 and then for Salzburg from 2014-2021) couldn't get anything going in the Allsvenskan. His contract with Västerås IK has been terminated and he will return to his hometome Villach.

 

[Theokritos]

Games today:

Free stream:​

Villach vs Graz
19:30 CET = 16:30 EST
Graz is having a rough season. A good opportunity for Villach to add 3 points.
Stream: Die ICE Hockey League auf PULS 24 | PULS 24

Pay streams:​

Dornbirn vs Bratislava
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
Dornbirn has looked solid all season, but lately without getting the results. Time to change that before the tough encounter with Fehervar on Saturday.
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Bolzano vs Fehervar
19:45 CET = 13:45 EST
Not an easy roadtrip for Fehervar (Bolzano on Fr, Dornbirn on Sat), but Bolzano has been so-so this season and needs to step up.
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Ljubljana vs Linz
19:45 CET = 13:45 EST
Linz coach Dan Ceman is under pressure to deliver. Unfortunately for him, it's the leader his team has to visit, but Linz has had close results in three of the four last games, including one against Ljubljana.
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

No stream:​

Vienna vs Znojmo
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
Vienna is a bit on the upswing, but a good Znojmo team should set more of a test than their previous opponents (Linz, Pustertal, Salzburg B).

Klagenfurt vs Innsbruck
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
KAC has had some wild up and downs this season. If they find their groove, they have it in them to end Innsbruck's winning streak. If not, another ugly result could be coming their way.

Salzburg vs Pustertal
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
After a rough stretch with numerous injuries, Salzburg should have enough quality again to overpower this opponent.

 

[Theokritos]

Games yesterday:

Vienna vs Znojmo 3-2
So yes, Vienna is improving indeed. They didn't have a good first period and Znojmo went ahead 1-0, but in the second period the home team took over and scored 3 goals vs 1 by Znojmo. No more goals were scored afterwards.

Klagenfurt vs Innsbruck 1-4
Another halfhearted effort by Klagenfurt wasn't enough against an Innsbruck team that is on a roll right now. The visitors showed improved powerplay and got a 3-1 lead before adding an empty-net goal.

Salzburg vs Pustertal 2-1 OT
Good game by Salzburg who dominated most of the match but Pustertal put up a great fight. The visitors went ahead 1-0 early and then stopped one Salzburg scoring attempt by the Red Bulls after the other. Half-way through the game the Red Bulls finally got the tying goal, but they ended up needing overtime to get on the scoreboard again. A deserved win, but quite the defensive battle by the visitors.

Villach vs Graz 9-7
A game without defending! Not entirely unexpected from Graz, but Villach shouldn't have copied them. In the first period Graz played well offensively, yet the score was 1-1 after 20 minutes. In the second period Villach started well, took over and ran up a 4-1 lead... and prematurely thought that this was already the decision. A goal-scoring fest followed: Graz made it close (5-4) before Villach ran up the lead again (8-4). And again VSV thought this was the game and got lazy. Three unanswered goals by Graz were the consequence before an empty-netter really sealed Villach's win. 3 points for the home team, but the coach will not be happy. On the Graz side, their effort to bounce back two times cannot hide their defensive woes and their shaky goaltending.

Bolzano vs Fehervar 3-2
An important win for Bolzano. Fehervar was the better team in the first period and got a deserved 1-0 lead. In the second Bolzano played better and an even matched unfolded. In the third Fehervar ran out of steam and the home team turned the 0-1 into a 3-1. A late goal made the result close.

Ljubljana vs Linz 3-0
A tight game for 40 minutes in which Linz kept Ljubljana from scoring, but in turn wasted 10 minutes of powerplay. In the last period, Ljubljana finally went ahead 1-0 and Linz wasted 4 more minutes with the man advantage. Ljubljana did it better: two subsequent penalties by Linz turned into two goals for the home team to make jt 3-0.

Dornbirn vs Bratislava
With Dornbirn leading 1-0, the game was postponed after the first period when Bratislava player Boris Sádecký collapsed like soccer player Christian Eriksen at the Euro 2020/2021. He was rushed to the hospital and the game Bratislava at Pustertal (on Saturday) was also postponed.

Game today:

Dornbirn vs Fehervar
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
Stream (pay): ICE Hockey League TV

 

[Dueling Banjos]

Sadecky in stable condiiton as per IceHL site.

I mean how about Olimpija. Rolling out 4 lines that can score, skate and basically put endless pressure, there's really not much room left out there. Goalie Us is a big surprise as well, not to underestimate D team effort. Forwards are mostly pretty young and what makes me happy the most, they are mostly Slovenian. Kristjan Cepon is playing great as well, big, physical and soft hands.

Schedule will get more and more intense, top Austrian imports will get their engines running that's for sure, so i won't be surprised if we run out of steam but then again boys are young and physically well prepared. Our coach is really down to earth, hard worker himself as well and and an awesome role model. Mitja Sivic lives in Bled, that's about 60 kms one way and he was riding his road bike to work and back in the summer and fall.

Again, i am pretty sure nobody expected such a start, well at least noone who's not a blind homer with very little hockey knowledge but here we are. I try to remain realistic, injuries will happen and losing streaks will come but them not making the play off at this point is all of a sudden crazy talk as well.

Great atmosphere in Tivoli hall, 2500 spectators (yes the official number is 2k but trust me) but of course 2-3 defeats in a row and there will be 1000 of us again. Olimpija's marketing department is still stuck back in the 90s.

 

[Theokritos]

Result on Saturday:

Dornbirn vs Fehervar 5-8
The Bulldogs' chance to get out of their funk came and went with the Bratislava game that came to a premature end after 20 minutes with the home team leading 1-0. The following day they had to face Fehervar. Were their minds somewhere else after what had happened with Sádecký or is the losing streak rattling their confidence? Regardless, they were defensively weak and got shaky goaltending from David Madlener (not for the first time), both of which is always costly against Fehervar. After 35 minutes, the visitors was ahead 8-3 and another defeat was assured. Two additional goals by Dornbirn made the result a little less ugly but not more satisfying.

Results on Sunday:

Salzburg vs Villach 5-2
Great start by Salzburg who created a lot of pressure, went ahead 2-0 and actually should have scored more. But VSV held on, made it 2-1 before the first period was over and scored the tying goal in the second as the game got more even. The match remained tied into the third period. Then Salzburg made it 3-2. Villach had their chances, but allowed a shorthanded goal ten minutes before the end and couldn't come back anymore. An empty-net sealed the deserved win by Salzburg.

Innsbruck vs Linz 5-2
Not a bad performance by Linz at even strength, but they conceded two powerplay goals and then Innsbruck made it 3-0 at ES after 27 minutes. Linz took a timeout, turned on the jets and answered with two quick goals within 4 minutes to make it 3-2. Then a refereeing blunder screwed up the game: the refs initially missed a high-stick by Linz, allowed the game to proceed and then suddenly announced a retroactive video review, even though no penalty had been called on the ice. It resulted in a double minor against Linz and another PP goal for Innsbruck (4-2). That took the wind out of the sails of Linz. At the end Innsbruck added an empty-net goal, but the referees are in trouble now.

For Dan Ceman, this was the last game as Linz coach:



Vienna vs Graz 4-2
Neither team played really well, but Vienna had an edge and only took 1 penalty while Graz took 5. Nevertheless the score was tied 1-1 after the first period and 2-2 after the second. In the third neither managed to score for a long time, but then Vienna's fifth powerplay of the evening finally brought the game-winning goal. The 4-2 was an empty-netter.

Bolzano vs Klagenfurt 1-0
The two finalists of last season have both been a bit underwhelming. In this game Klagenfurt showed a much better performance than lately, but just couldn't score despite creating chances. Bolzano was outshot, but worked hard defensively, got good goaltending from Kevin Boyle and grinded out a 1-0 win. Neither coach will be unhappy with his team's showing in this game, it's a clear step forward for both teams.

Games on Tuesday:

Bratislava vs Villach 0-5
Good performance by VSV, in particular in the second period where they scored four of their five goals. It's not easy to rate Bratislava considering the fact that one of their teammates is still in intensive care and hasn't regained consciousness, but they weren't up for the task defensively.

Salzburg vs Bolzano 1-4
An important win for Bolzano who finally seem to be finding their groove. The game was rather even throughout the first two periods with a 1-1 score. After Bolzano had made it 2-1 in the third period, Salzburg attacked but didn't take care defensively, which allowed Bolzano two score two more.

Standing (points per game):

1. Ljubljana 2.5
2. Fehervar 2.0
3. Innsbruck 1.875
4. Bolzano 1.80
5. Salzburg 1.588
6. Villach 1.533 (GD +7)
7. Vienna 1.533 (GD +4)
8. Znojmo 1.50
9. Klagenfurt 1.466
10. Bratislava 1.428
11. Dornbirn 1.285
12. Graz 0.933
13. Pustertal 0.785
14. Linz 0.733

Goals Forwards:
1. Anthony Luciani (Znojmo), 10 (in 14 games)
2. Brian Lebler (Linz), 10 (in 15)
3. Brody Sutter (Vienna), 9
4. Dominik Grafenthin (Graz), 8 (in 11)
5. Nik Simčič (Ljubljana), 8 (in 14)
6. Anže Kuralt (Fehervar), 8 (in 15)
= Anton Karlsson (Villach), 8 (in 15)
= Scott Kosmachuk (Villach), 8 (in 15)
= Renārs Krastenbergs (Villach), 8 (in 15)
10. Zach Magwood (Innsbruck), 8 (in 16)

Assists Forwards:
1. Guillaume Leclerc (Ljubljana), 18
2. Mike Huntebrinker (Innsbruck), 16
3. Rok Tičar (Klagenfurt), 14
4. János Hári (Fehervar), 13
5. Simon Hjalmarsson (Graz), 12 (in 15)
6. Dragan Umicevic (Linz), 11 (in 13)
7. Joel Broda (Villach), 11 (in 15)
8. Nicolai Meyer (Vienna), 10 (in 14)
= Luka Kalan (Ljubljana), 10 (in 14)
10. Daniel Catenacci (Bolzano), 10 (in 15)
= John Hughes (Villach), 10 (in 15)

Points Defencemen:
1. T.J. Brennan (Salzburg), 10+10 = 20
2. Josh Atkinson (Fehervar), 4+10 = 14
= Jamie Fraser (Villach), 2+12 = 14
4. Paul Postma (Klagenfurt), 5+8 = 13 (in 12 games)
5. Joel Messner (Innsbruck), 6+7 = 13 (in 16)
6. Ryan Culkin (Znojmo), 2+10 = 12
7. Sébastien Piché (Ljubljana), 1+9 = 10 (in 13)
8. Davis Vandane (Dornbirn), 3+7 = 10 (in 14)
9. Matthew Maione (Bolzano), 1+9 = 10 (in 15)
10. Henrik Nilsson (Fehervar), 4+5 = 9 (in 13)

Save Percentage Goaltenders:
1. Justin Fazio (Bolzano), 93.5% (358 minutes played)
2. Atte Tolvanen (Salzburg), 93.2% (732)
3. Samuel Baroš (Bratislava), 93.2% (257)
4. Žan Us (Ljubljana), 92.4% (726)
5. Thomas Sholl (Pustertal), 91.8% (784)

Game today:

Vienna vs Klagenfurt
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST

 

[Theokritos]

Dornbirn vs Bratislava
With Dornbirn leading 1-0, the game was postponed after the first period when Bratislava player Boris Sádecký collapsed like soccer player Christian Eriksen at the Euro 2020/2021. He was rushed to the hospital and the game Bratislava at Pustertal (on Saturday) was also postponed.

Sadecky in stable condiiton as per IceHL site.

It's not easy to rate Bratislava considering the fact that one of their teammates is still in intensive care and hasn't regained consciousness

Very bad news:

 

[Dueling Banjos]

Very bad news:

Terrible

 

[Dofs]

Very bad news:

Oh, that's awful

 

[Theokritos]

Tonight's game will not be played after the awful news from Dornbirn:

 

[Uberpecker]

That's just horrible.

My condolences to his family and friends and people close to him.

 

[alko]

One game hattrick, next game...

 

[Theokritos]

More sad news from Bratislava:

 

[Theokritos]

Signings:

Newcomer HC Pustertal has been playing well enough defensively to be competitive in the league, but they are struggling to score goals. Their new signings Greg Carey and Max Gerlach should help them to change that. Center Brad Morrison (who didn't register a single scoring point in 7 games) was sent packing.

Game yesterday:

Znojmo vs Ljubljana 4-3 OT
The home team attacked, but had a hard time scoring at even strength against hard-working Ljubljana. Znojmo went ahead 2-1 on two powerplay goals though. In the second period they allowed too many odd-man rushes and ended up trailing 2-3. In the last period they tied the score again with another powerplay goal. They needed overtime to score their only even strength goal of the game, but it was the game winner for them.

Games today:

Free stream:​

Linz vs Vienna
19:30 CET = 14:30 EST
Linz is looking for a new coach and it's hard to predict how they will show themselves on the ice now. They haven't played that badly at even strength, but their penalty killing has been a great weakness. Vienna has improved and should go for a win here.
Stream: Die ICE Hockey League auf PULS 24 | PULS 24

Pay stream:​

Znojmo vs Salzburg
18:30 CET = 13:30 EST
An interesting matchup. Znojmo is good offensively but vulnerably defensively. Salzburg has played solid defensive hockey and is also dangerous going forward. A tough game for Znojmo, but Salzburg will also have something to handle. Everything seems possible in this one.
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Fehervar vs Pustertal
19:15 CET = 14:15 EST
Pustertal is struggling to score goals while Fehervar has been one of the best sides in the league all autumn, so all money is on the home team.
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Villach vs Innsbruck
19:15 CET = 14:15 EST
VSV has the roster to stop Innsbruck's winning streak, the question is whether they string together a focused full-game performance.
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

No stream:​

Graz vs Bolzano
19:15 CET = 14:15 EST
Bolzano has stepped up lately while Graz keeps bleeding goals against. Hard to see the home team get a win here. How much time does Graz coach Gustafsson have left before he is send packing?

Klagenfurt vs Dornbirn
19:15 CET = 14:14 EST
Both teams are not where they want to be and need to start getting points again.

 

[Theokritos]

Friday results:

Znojmo vs Salzburg 2-5
Great first period by Salzburg. They overwhelmed Znojmo (who still got a goal) and skated to a deserved 3-1 lead. The game was a bit more even in the following periods, but Salzburg kept the home team from scoring and added a goal each period for a 5-1 lead. A late powerplay goal by Znojmo couldn't change the outcome.

Linz vs Vienna 2-3 SO
Goood first period by Vienna who went ahead 1-0. Aferwards Linz had more of the game. They tied the score, conceded another goal and then tied it again. No goals in the third period and overtime, to the shootout had to decide. Once again Linz ended up losing without playing too badly.

Graz vs Bolzano 4-0
Finally a sign of life by Graz. Bolzano started well, but the home team suprised them by showing more energy and fighting spirit than in their previous games. They went ahead 2-0 and held Bolzano scoreless despite being outshot. In the last period a powerplay goal made it 3-0 before an empty-net goal followed.

Klagenfurt vs Dornbirn 4-3 OT
Dornbirn played well in the first period, yet Klagenfurt went ahead 3-1. Then Klagenfurt started playing better, yet Dornbirn managed to tie the game! KAC went on to win in overtime.

Fehervar vs Pustertal 5-4 OT
Another close game for Pustertal, but also another defeat. Fehervar went ahead four times and Pustertal came back to tie the game each time. Fehervar got the game winner in overtime, but they didn't play a good game and didn't look focused.

Villach vs Innsbruck 2-3 OT
The home team had more of the game, gave Innsbruck a hard time and created more scoring chances, but hit the post four times. Innsbruck were more clinical, tied the game twice and ended up scoring the winner in overtime.

Saturday results:

Graz vs Dornbirn 4-3
Not for the first time Dornbirn played well and had more of the game than the opponent, yet ended up losing. After the first period the score was 1-1 even though the visitors had had an edge. In the second period they created plenty of chances but couldn't bury one while Graz made it 2-1. In the last period both teams traded goals with Graz remaining ahead. Another disappointment for Dornbirn, they need to get back on the winning track very soon now.

Linz vs Pustertal 1-0
A close game and another loss for Pustertal. Linz created more offensively but once again found it hard to score. In the second period they finally got a deserved 1-0 lead and that was the game as Pustertal on their part couldn't score at all.

Games today:

Bolzano vs Villach
16:00 CET = 11:00 EST
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Innsbruck vs Vienna
17:30 CET = 12:30 EST
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Klagenfurt vs Salzburg
17:30 CET = 12:30 EST
No stream

Ljubljana vs Fehervar
18:00 CET = 13:00 EST
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

 

[alko]

When will Bratislava start again?

 

[Theokritos]

When will Bratislava start again?

 

[Theokritos]

Two coaching changes:

Znojmo: Jiří Beroun will be assistant coach instead of head coach. Glen Hanlon has been signed as new head coach.

Pustertal: Luciano Basile has been sacked. For the time being, assistant coach Matej Hočevar will take over.

 

[Theokritos]

Forgot to add the Sunday results:

Bolzano vs Villach 3-2 SO
A close and hard-fought game in which Villach was the better team in the first period and went ahead 1-0. In the second Bolzano picked up their game, created more offensively and tied the score. In the third period both teams traded one goal each for a 2-2 tie. No score in overtime, Bolzano won the shootout.

Innsbruck vs Vienna 2-3
Vienna played a tight checking game and disrupted the passing of the home team. After a scoreless first period, the visitors went ahead 2-0 in the second period, then added the 3-0 midway through the third. In the last few minutes of the game, Vienna took the foot off the gas and Innsbruck got two quick goals which made the scoreline a bit more flattering.

Klagenfurt vs Salzburg 2-3 OT
Another good game by Salzburg who were the better team and created more chances, but KAC nevertheless went ahead 2-0. They fought hard and got good goaltending from Sebastian Dahm. But Salzburg didn't give up and continued to build pressure. By the halfway mark of the game, the score was tied 2-2. Salzburg kept keeping Klagenfurt on their toes, but needed overtime to secure the win.

Ljubljana vs Fehervar 1-2
After an even and scoreless first period, Ljubljana created more and more pressure against a Fehervar team that wasn't able to ice a full line-up. However, the visitors went ahead 1-0 after an individual mistake and then made it 2-0 a few minutes later. In the last period, Ljubljana was pretty dominant, yet Fehervar played well defensively and didn't allow any goal against until 30 seconds before the end of the game.

Standing (point per game) heading into the international break:

1. Ljubljana 2.25
2. Fehervar 2.05
3. Innsbruck 1.77
4. Salzburg 1.68
5. Bolzano 1.70
6. Vienna 1.64
7. Villach 1.47 (GD +5)
8. Klagenfurt 1.47 (GD 0)
9. Znojmo 1.43
10. Bratislava 1.42
11. Dornbirn 1.18
12. Graz 1.17
13. Linz 0.88
14. Pustertal 0.75

 

[Dueling Banjos]

Olimpija leading the league, this question almost asks itself, has the league strength in general dropped?

I mean Olimpija's roster is mainly Alps League players except for the few guys. Of course we are only 1/3 into the season and i expect that expensive imports will slowly start to make a difference, get their legs back, they are more experienced and used to play 50 regular season games but still the question remains.

Olimpija is relatively young & extremely well physically prepared but that's about it.

 

[Theokritos]

Olimpija leading the league, this question almost asks itself, has the league strength in general dropped?

I mean Olimpija's roster is mainly Alps League players except for the few guys. Of course we are only 1/3 into the season and i expect that expensive imports will slowly start to make a difference, get their legs back, they are more experienced and used to play 50 regular season games but still the question remains.

Olimpija is relatively young & extremely well physically prepared but that's about it.

A fair question. And then you have Klagenfurt beating Leksand 4-0 – and Salzburg losing 0-3 against Rouen. It's a weird and confusing season so far.

 

[Theokritos]

The international break is over and I forgot to post the Tuesday results:

Znojmo vs Ljubljana 3-5
Fehervar vs Linz 2-3
Pustertal vs Graz 3-2

Games today:

Free stream:​

Linz vs Klagenfurt
19:30 CET = 13:30 EST
Stream: Die ICE Hockey League auf PULS 24 | PULS 24

Pay streams:​

Znojmo vs Dornbirn
18:00 CET = 12:00 EST
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Pustertal vs Bolzano
19:45 CET = 13:45 EST
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

Ljubljana vs Salzburg
19:45 CET = 13:45 EST
Stream: ICE Hockey League TV

No stream:​

Graz vs Vienna
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST

Meanwhile, Innsbruck vs Fehervar was postponed because Innsbruck has a few confirmed Covid cases and more suspected cases. It's not yet clear whether their game against Villach scheduled for Sunday will be played either.

Additionally, with Covid cases soaring throughout Austria and a new lockdown starting on Monday, this weekend is going to be the last with attendance in the Austrian arenas for at least three weeks.

 

[Theokritos]

Friday results:

Znojmo vs Dornbirn 2-1 OT
Graz vs Vienna 3-0
Linz vs Klagenfurt 2-3 SO
Pustertal vs Bolzano 6-2
Ljubljana vs Salzburg 2-7

Games today:

Vienna vs Dornbirn
19:15 CET = 13:15 EST
Pay stream: Live Stream - Vienna Capitals

Pustertal vs Fehervar
19:45 CET = 13:45 EST
Pay stream: ICE Hockey League TV