Bozen secure place in final

The ICE Hockey League final is set! In the sixth game of the semi-final series between the spusu Vienna Capitals and HC Bozen, the South Tyroleans narrowly prevail after overtime. Vienna suffer a narrow 2:3 (1:0,1:1,0:1,0:1) defeat. The Foxes only forced overtime nine seconds before the end of regulation and will now face EC-KAC in the final.

After an evenly balanced start, the visitors have their best scoring chance of the first period. Plastino (10.) hits only the inside of the post following a fine move by the South Tyroleans – fortunate for the Capitals. At the other end, Loney (13.) tries to surprise HCB netminder Irving at the near post, but he is there to make the save. Shortly afterwards, however, he does better. Nissner wins the face-off in front of the South Tyroleans' net, the puck falls to Loney (14. ), who beats Irving at the near post from a screened position – 1:0 to Vienna!

The middle period begins with a good chance for Bozen to equalise. Bardaro (21.) goes in alone on Starkbaum following an error in the build-up play, but cannot beat him. After good scoring chances for Vienna through Nissner (23.), Bauer (24.) and Besse (32. ), Frank (33.) has the big chance to level the score. Following an error by Leduc, Frank goes in alone on Starkbaum while shorthanded, but is denied by the Caps goaltender.

But the Caps extend their lead straight away! Vause (33./PP) deflects a sharp pass from Campbell, who is making his comeback after a lengthy injury lay-off, into the net beyond Irving's reach – 2:0 to the team from Donaustadt. Vienna look to add another, but cannot beat Irving. Bozen pull one back just seconds before the end of the middle period. Findlay (40.) leaves Johnson standing with a fine deke before remaining ice-cold in front of Starkbaum. The score is 2:1 at the second interval. 

The final minutes could hardly be more dramatic. Bozen increase the pressure, but the Capitals defend well and allow very little. In attack, Vienna waste counter-attacking opportunities and cannot find an early clincher. In the final minute, Archibald (60.) misses the empty-net goal by just a few centimetres, leading to an offensive-zone face-off in front of the Vienna net. The South Tyroleans win the draw, the Caps do not defend well enough and Bardaro levels the score at 2:2 in an incredible finish nine seconds before the end. Overtime is required to decide it.

In overtime, the Foxes are the more active team, repeatedly creating shots and keeping Vienna away from their own net for long spells. Vienna are only dangerous on the power play following a penalty against Frank (hooking), but Vause cannot get the puck on target. The decisive goal comes in the 74th minute. Miceli, unmarked, deflects a blue-line shot into the net, leaving Starkbaum with no chance.

With HCB Südtirol reaching the final series, EC-KAC are automatically Austrian champions for the 32nd time overall. The Foxes' progression also secured the allocation of the final ticket for the Champions Hockey League: Alongside the two finalists, EC Red Bull Salzburg will also represent the league internationally next season.