2:5 defeat against hosts Norway to conclude the tour­na­ment

The team’s committed performance, and certainly their best against a physical opponent, went unrewarded. However, a lack of finishing quality was once again a problem. The refereeing performance was also unsatisfactory for an international game of a fairly high standard.

The game remained open in the first period. After 2:2 in the opening 20 minutes, Norway extended their lead to 4:2 in the second period. The young Austrians battled and pressed for a goal to pull one back, but conceded again in the final period to make it 2:5.

2:1 win over France

For the first two periods, they barely allowed their opponents anywhere near the goal. They dictated the game for more than 50 minutes. Chances for the French were thwarted by the reliable Djuric. 

As in yesterday’s game, however, Austria’s chance conversion was rather limited. In contrast to yesterday, their willingness to go the extra step and stick to the game plan was much better, and that ultimately proved decisive in securing the win. 

Bitter opening defeat

Head Coach Florian Mühlstein’s team, like the U18 national team, are in Norway for a Four Nations Tournament in Kristiansand. They opened with a 1:7 defeat against Germany.

The opposition were technically superior throughout the game. Austria were also prone to errors in their own zone and conceded goals at unfavourable times. Germany were ruthless on the power play, made the most of their advantage and scored twice with the extra player.

They created a number of chances themselves offensively, but the puck found the net only once. 

February Break U16 Kristiansand (NOR)

4 Nations Tournament, 09. - 11.02.2023, Kristiansand

Austria vs. Germany 1:7 (0:2, 0:2, 1:3)
Thu, 09 February 2023, 16:30

Austria vs. France 2:1 (0:0, 1:0, 1:1)
Fri, 10 February 2023, 15:15

Norway vs. Austria 5:2 (2:2, 2:0, 1:0)
Sat, 11 February 2023, 17:00