Austria lose their first World Cham­pi­onship warm-up game in Vienna against Latvia 2:3 in over­time

Head coach Roger Bader placed his trust in Jakob Brandner in goal for the opening game of World Championship preparations, and he repaid it with a strong performance. In his debut game, the 23-year-old was promptly named Austria’s Player of the Match.

Only in the middle period did Brandner have to pick the puck out of his net twice within 57 seconds, after Benjamin Lanzinger had given Austria a 1:0 lead late in the first period with his first national team goal.

Austria had a clear advantage in shots on goal during the first 40 minutes, playing aggressively and with a clear drive towards the net.

In the 55th minute, Ramon Schnetzer and Dominic Zwerger took advantage of a line change by the visitors to equalise. Schnetzer set up the Switzerland-based player perfectly from his own zone, and he did not pass up the one-on-one opportunity against Erik Vitols.

Just a few seconds later, Zwerger was once again through alone on Vitols. This time, the Latvian netminder kept his team from a looming defeat.

Instead, the game went to overtime for the fourth consecutive time, with Miks Tumanovs sparking celebrations for Latvia. The two teams agreed on an additional penalty shootout, which did not count towards the official result. Austria won it 4:2.

Head coach Roger Bader: “It was a good, attractive game from our team. I used all four lines and gave them my trust. We only had ten minutes in the middle period that were not good; otherwise, I am very satisfied. Especially considering that this was the first time this line-up had played together. Three players made their debuts, while Benjamin Lanzinger also scored his first goal.”

Dominic Zwerger: “I see the game very positively, with this young team and our young goalie. He delivered an incredible game today. Everyone gave it their all. Scoring goals is always enjoyable, and even more so when the team has played so well. Level after 60 minutes, defeat in overtime and victory in the penalty shootout – overall, it was a positive game. We will analyse the mistakes and make sure we correct them and win at 5:5 tomorrow.”

World Championship preparations

Austria vs. Latvia 2:3 OT (1:0,0:2,1:0,0:1)
Fri, 4 April 2025, 16:20, Vienna, Hall 3, STEFFL Arena
Austria goalscorers: Benjamin Lanzinger (19.), Dominic Zwerger (55.)
Latvia goalscorers: Nauris Sējējs (28.), Kristaps Skrastiņš (29.), Miks Tumānovs (62.)

Further games:

Austria vs. Latvia
Sat, 5 April 2025, 16:20, Vienna, Hall 3, STEFFL Arena, live on Krone TV

Hungary vs. Austria
Thu, 10 April 2025, 19:00, Szekesfehervar (HUN) – subject to change, live on Krone TV

Hungary vs. Austria
Fri, 11 April 2025, 18:00, Ajka (HUN) – subject to change, live on Krone TV

Czechia vs. Austria
Thu, 17 April 2025, 19:00, Znojmo (CZE), live on Krone TV

Austria vs. Czechia
Sat, 19 April 2025, 17:30, Linz, live on ORF SPORT +

Austria vs. Germany
Thu, 24 April 2025, 19:00, Zell am See, live on ORF SPORT +

Germany vs. Austria
Sat, 26 April 2025, 17:00, Rosenheim (GER), live on ORF SPORT +

Austria vs. Canada
Sun, 4 May 2025, 19:00, Vienna STEFFL Arena, live on ORF SPORT +

2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship

9–25 May 2025, Stockholm, Sweden & Herning, Denmark

Austria vs. Finland
Fri, 09 May 2025, Globe Arena, 16:20, live on ORF 1

Sweden vs. Austria
Sat, 10 May 2025, Globe Arena, 16:20, live on ORF 1

Austria vs. Slovakia
Mon, 12 May 2025, Globe Arena, 16:20, live on ORF 1

Canada vs. Austria
Thu, 15 May 2025, Globe Arena, 20:20, live on ORF 1

Austria vs. France
Fri, 16 May 2025, Globe Arena, 16:20, live on ORF 1

Slovenia vs. Austria
Sun, 18 May 2025, Globe Arena, 16:20, live on ORF 1

Latvia vs. Austria
Tue, 20 May 2025, Globe Arena, 12:20, live on ORF 1