Austria’s women beat the Middle­bury College Panthers in a friendly

Austria started the game against the US college team from the state of Vermont at Sportpark Kitzbühel with Magdalena Luggin in goal. From the outset, it developed into a fast-paced affair, with play going back and forth – the ideal start to a World Championship warm-up game. There were no goals in the opening period, with Austria having to prove themselves on three penalty kills and successfully seeing out each spell shorthanded. 

Little changed in the character of the game over the second 20 minutes. Both teams played at a good pace and created good attacking opportunities. Shortly after the halfway point, Austria’s women took a 1:0 lead when Emma Hofbauer forced the puck over the line following a scramble in front of goal (32 minutes). Red-White-Red were now fully alert and added the 2:0: Lena Artner fired from a tight angle from the right face-off circle (35 minutes).

In the final period, the US girls initially tried to pull a goal back, but the team coached by head coach Alexander Bröms was defensively sound. Austria controlled the game and repeatedly created chances in front of the opposition goal.

In the end, the Panthers pulled goaltender Sophia Will and were rewarded for the risk: Sabrina Kim made it 1:2 with 24 seconds remaining before the final buzzer (60 min.). Austria did not concede another goal and won the first friendly against the Middlebury College Panthers 2:1. Lena Artner, who scored to make it 2:0, was named Austria’s Player of the Game.

Women’s General Manager Martin Kogler analysed the game: "It was a very hard-fought game. It took us some time to find our way into it, and we had three penalties right at the start of the first period, which pushed us somewhat onto the defensive. We improved significantly in the second period and deservedly scored two goals. It became exciting again at the end, but it was good and important that we were able to see the win through. A huge thank you to Kitzbühel, which proved to be an outstanding host, and also to the many fans who supported our team."

The second meeting with the Americans takes place on Saturday at 13:40 in the TIWAG Arena in Innsbruck. The game can once again be watched on LIVE.eishockey.at.

December friendlies:

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

Austria vs. Middlebury College Panthers
Sat, 30 December 2023, 13:40, Innsbruck, LIVE.eishockey.at

Home IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s 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 play Hungary, France, Norway, the Netherlands and South Korea for promotion to the Top Division. After 2009 and 2017, it will be the third Women’s World Championship 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