Austrian Championship AHL semi-final: Eisbären celebrate 5:0 win away to defending champions Bregenzerwald

In their very first AHL play-off campaign for the Austrian Championship, EK Die Zeller Eisbären claimed a 5:0 away win over defending champions EC Bregenzerwald, putting the Pinzgau side in a strong position ahead of Saturday's return leg in front of their home crowd. In the first leg of the other semi-final tomorrow, Thursday, EHC Lustenau host the Red Bull Hockey Juniors from 19:30.

11 January 20232 min read

For the first time in Alps Hockey League history, the Eisbären reached the semi-finals in the battle for the Austrian Championship. Their opponents were none other than defending champions Bregenzerwald. Both teams took to the ice short-handed on Wednesday evening, with Bregenzerwald able to field just 16 skaters, while the visitors travelled with at least 20.

The Eisbären initially had the upper hand, recording more than twice as many shots on goal in the first period, and that was reflected on the scoreboard: an Aleksi Hämäläinen double within 3:30 minutes put the visitors on course for victory early on. Cornelius Kaschnig made it 3:0 before the first break.

Bregenzerwald put up more resistance in the second period and created chances, but the puck would only go into their own net. In the 26th minute, the Eisbären picked up two penalties in quick succession, but came through the resulting two-man disadvantage unscathed. Christian Jennes eventually made it 4:0 in the 33rd minute. Philip Putnik completed the 5:0 final score in the second period.

Bregenzerwald fought with all their might against defeat, but their short bench began to tell as the game went on. In the final period, the Eisbären remained the more dominant team and can now seal the tie at home on Saturday to reach the final for the Austrian Championship title in the Alps Hockey League.

Last year's finalists EHC Lustenau and the Red Bull Hockey Juniors meet in the other semi-final.

Austrian Championship Alps Hockey League semi-finals

Best-of-2 format (Champions Hockey League format)

Play-off first leg

EC Bregenzerwald vs. EK Die Zeller Eisbären 0:5 (0:3, 0:2, 0:0)
Wed, 11 January 2023, 19:30
EK Die Zeller Eisbären scorers: Aleksi Hämäläinen (7th / 10th), Cornelius Kaschnig (18th), Christian Jennes (33rd), Philip Putnik (37th)

EHC Lustenau vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors
Thu, 12 January 2023, 19:30

Play-off return leg

Red Bull Hockey Juniors vs. EHC Lustenau
Sat, 14 January 2023, 19:15

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. EC Bregenzerwald
Sat, 14 January 2023, 19:30

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