The HCB South Tyrol started into the final series of the Erste Bank Ice Hockey League on Sunday with a 2:1 victory against ÖEHV Champion Red Bull Salzburg. Angelo Micelli (33) and Austin Smith (34) both scored the goals in 51 seconds in power play. In the new edition of the 2014 final, Salzburg only managed the 1:2 by Raphael Herburger (35th).
The Bolzano team’s victory brought back memories of the final four years ago. At that time, they won the EBEL title as newcomers to the league with 3:2 victories over the “Bulls”. This time four successes are necessary (best of seven) and Salzburg had already on Monday (19.20 o’clock/live ServusTV and Sky) again in the own hall the chance to balance.
The South Tyroleans once again showed their virtues acquired under coach Kai Suikkanen. The Finn had taken over at the end of November and after some start-up time his team made the leap from last place in the Twelve’s League into the final.
Against the six-time EBEL champion Salzburg, the defensive rows in front of the outstanding goalie Pekka Tuokkola were again enormously strong. Salzburg pushed hard, especially in the final section (15:2 shots), but another goal was not scored.
In addition, as in the semi-final against defending champion Vienna Capitals, South Tyrol proved their effectiveness. The chances were almost perfect. And this time, unlike in previous play-off matches, powerplay goals are also scored away from home.
In Micelli’s shot, however, goalie Bernhard Starkbaum was out of sight. A little later Herburger had to face a penalty, the “Foxes” took advantage of the 2-0 win over Smith. “We made it too easy for them,” said Dominique Heinrich from Salzburg.
Herburger made up for his mistake only 43 seconds later. He indicated a pass with his eyes, but shot from a sharp angle into the short corner, Tuokkola was left behind. Afterwards coach Greg Poss’s team tried everything – but in vain.
“It’s good to win the first final,” Tuokkola said. “We had a good power play and everything fit on the defensive.”