EBEL: Salzburg for the eighth time Austrian Champion

Red Bull Salzburg has secured its eighth Austrian championship title by entering the final of the Erste Bank Ice Hockey League (EBEL). The Salzburg team defeated Black Wings Linz 4:2 away and also won the semi-final series (best of seven) 4:2. In the EBEL final, the HCB South Tyrol will be waiting from Sunday, the Bolzano team had eliminated defending champion Vienna Capitals.

After an energetic start of both teams, the Linzers used their first power play in a curious way. Corey Locke bounced a puck from the air over the head of Salzburg-Goalie Bernhard Starkbaum into the goal. The hit was given only after long video study of the impartial. The Salzburgers then pushed in vain for the equaliser, but the Linzers also remained dangerous.

The 1:1, which the Salzburgers deserved due to some good chances, only succeeded in the 28th minute. Ryan Duncan hit the corner of the cross from close range. Until the second break, the guests, in which captain Matthias Trattnig retired injured, were closer to the 2:1 with several top possibilities. For the time being, however, the people of Linz were still successfully opposed.

In the final third it was Mario Huber (46th) who successfully completed a quick counter-attack after a bad pass by the Linzers. Dominique Heinrich (54th) scored 3-1 with a Powerplay goal. But only 27 seconds after the goal from a deflected shot Sebastian Piche raised hopes for the Linzers. However, they were no longer able to equal the score, Alexander Rauchenwald scored 4-2 with an Empty Net goal just before the end.

“That was really hard work. I like the way we get stronger and stronger during the game,” said Salzburg coach Greg Poss. Huber was able to celebrate his first play-off goal and his entry into the final. “Of course, the gate makes me very happy. We managed the important away win today, it’s never easy against Linz. I’m looking forward to the final, we don’t have enough with the Austrian championship title,” said the striker.

The final against Bolzano in the best of seven mode starts for the Salzburg team on Sunday with a home game. In their tenth final since the 2004/05 promotion, the bulls will be able to repay the South Tyrolean team for their defeat in 2013/14. At that time, the league rookie from Italy had sensationally defeated the Salzburg team 3:2 in the final.