Austria lose second friendly against the Middle­bury College Panthers

Austria began the second game against the US college team from the state of Vermont at the TIWAG Arena in Innsbruck with goaltender Anja Adamitsch and immediately rattled the post through Annika Fazokas at the Middlebury College Panthers’ goal. The Panthers took an early 1:0 lead when Avery McInerny deflected a shot in the 6th minute. 

The ÖEHV selection, weakened by several illnesses, then tried to get a grip on the game, but the Americans defended cleverly and allowed no major scoring chances. The red-white-red women were also unable to make the most of a late power-play opportunity at the end of the first period.

In the opening minutes of the second period, Austria increased the tempo and applied pressure during a brief 5:3 power play and then on a 5:4 power play, but were unable to find the goal. Shortly afterwards, Selina Gentilini had the best chance to equalise when she broke through alone in front of Panthers goaltender Sophia Will.

When the college team had a double chance, goaltender Anja Adamitsch kept the deficit narrow with a superb save. Middlebury then extended their lead to 2:0 on the power play, with Cat Appleyard putting the puck over the line (37nd minute).

The ÖEHV selection continued to apply pressure in the final period but were unable to register a goal. The US women remained well organised, while Sophia Will also preserved her team’s two-goal lead with some fine saves.

In the end, the Austrians were shorthanded and were unable to mount a late offensive push, losing the second friendly against the Middlebury College Panthers 0:2.

For Head Coach Alexander Brömsthe two friendlies were important for the next steps towards the home World Championship: “I think we were not quick enough at the start of yesterday’s game. But we worked our way into the game and played much better, especially from the second period onwards, which allowed us to win. We had a much better start in today’s game and were very aggressive. They scored a goal and we were then chasing the game a little. I think we created enough chances in the final period, but unfortunately we could not turn the game around. We will now take the time to reflect on the good and less good aspects of these two friendlies. We will meet again in February to continue preparing for the World Championship in April!”

December friendlies:

Austria vs. Middlebury College Panthers 0:2 (0:1,0:1,0:0)
Sat., 30 December 2023, 13:40, Innsbruck

Already played:

Austria vs. Middlebury College Panthers 2:1 (0:0,2:0,0:1)
Fri, 29 December 2023, 18:45, Kitzbühel
Austria goalscorers: Emma Hofbauer (32), Lena Artner (35)

Home World Championship Division IA 2024

From 21 to 27 April 2024, Klagenfurt will host the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Women´s World Championship 2024. Austria will face Hungary, France, Norway, the Netherlands and South Korea for promotion to the Top Division. Following 2009 and 2017, it is the third Women’s World Championship to be held on Austrian ice.

Schedule

Norway vs. Austria
Sun., 21 April 2024, 18:30

Austria vs. South Korea
Mon, 22 April 2024, 19:30

France vs. Austria
Wed, 24 April 2024, 19:30

Austria vs. Hungary
Fri, 26 April 2024, 20:25

Austria vs. Netherlands
Sat, 27 April 2024, 20:25