2:3 – another narrow over­time defeat

As on the previous day, the two teams produced fast, attractive ice hockey and created chances, with the goaltenders making several excellent saves. The score was 0:0 after the first two periods before Alina Hinum broke the deadlock to put Austria 1:0 ahead in the 44th minute. 

The contest remained evenly matched, with chances at both ends. The closing minutes were pure drama. First, Molly McHugh levelled for the Americans in the 55th minute, before Kaitlyn Holland put the visitors 2:1 ahead 55 seconds later in the 56th minute, only for Eva Breiter to send her team into overtime. In overtime, the US college side once again came out on top through Brooke Power. 

Nevertheless, the week was a complete success for the entire team. New coach Alexander Bröms was able to test and, above all, assess a great deal. At full strength, they would in all likelihood have left the ice as clear winners in both games, while the young team gained plenty of experience.

The next two warm-up matches against the Netherlands, as part of preparations for the World Championship Division IA, are scheduled for next February. The World Championship itself will take place in Shenzhen/CHN from 11–17 April 2023, where Austria will face Denmark, Norway, Slovakia, the Netherlands and hosts China. 

Warm-up matches

Austria vs. Gustavus Adolphus College/USA 3:4 n.P. (1:0, 2:3, 0:0)
Thu, 29 December 2022, 15:20, Innsbruck
Austria goalscorers: Verena Haselsteiner (20th), Leonie Kutzer (24th), Emma Hofbauer (27th)

Austria vs. Gustavus Adolphus College/USA 2:3 n.V. (0:0, 0:0, 2:2)
Fri, 30 December 2022, 15:20, Innsbruck
Austria goalscorers: Alina Hinum (44th), Eva Beiter (58th)