DEBL2: Another Tyrolean final derby between SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein and Red Angels Inns­bruck

The first semi-final between the hosts SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein and Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG II got off to a lively start in the first period at Sportpark Kitzbühel. Linz, who entered the game for a place in the final with a short line-up of just eleven skaters, took an early 1:0 lead after a power-play goal by Lisa Kail – her shot was deflected beyond the reach of KEC/HCK goaltender Leonie Eder – (6.).

The Tyroleans quickly equalised: Sophia Widmair scored to make it 1:1 after a powerful solo effort (7.). The IceCats, who had qualified for the final tournament in fourth place after the preliminary round, put up a strong resistance against the favoured team from the Tyrolean lowlands – SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein had entered the Final Four as regular-season winners and defending champions – backed by goaltender Sara Waldherr.

As the game progressed, SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein increasingly took control and pinned the Upper Austrians, who were naturally being drained by playing with just two lines, deeper and deeper in their defensive zone. Two minutes after the halfway point, Yasmin Kainz replaced Linz starting goaltender Sara Waldherr and had no shortage of work.

Late in the second period, the Tyroleans turned their superiority into the go-ahead goal: Helena Hörl scored from a tight angle to make it 2:1 (38.). The game remained tense in the final period because the hosts failed to seal the win. With seven minutes remaining, Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG II had a power play but were unable to use their numerical advantage to equalise. The defending champions saw out the narrow 2:1 win and will contest the DEBL2 final for the third consecutive time on Sunday.

Red Angels Innsbruck celebrate convincing win over VSV Lady Hawks III

The second semi-final between Red Angels Innsbruck and VSV Lady Hawks III was 0:0 after the opening 20 minutes. The Tyroleans took the lead in the second period with a power-play goal: after a wonderful solo effort by Lina Gabl, Tanja Knoll scored from the slot to make it 1:0 (24.).

The dominant Innsbruck side struck again on the power play. After winning a face-off in the offensive zone, Lea Mair beautifully curled the puck into the far corner to make it 2:0 (28.). Shortly after the halfway point of the game, Lea Mair was again on target to give her side a three-goal lead. After winning the puck in the offensive zone, she drove powerfully towards the net of Villach goaltender Johanna Oberrauner and neatly lifted the puck into the net to make it 3:0 (32.).

Then the team from the Drau Valley finally arrived in the semi-final. On a quick counter-attack, Jasmin Moser sent Sabrina Di Casmirro through, who reduced the deficit to 1:3 (37.). The Red Angels quickly restored their three-goal advantage: Julia Föger fired from the left face-off circle and caught VSV goaltender Oberrauner off guard to make it 4:1 (39.).

In the final period, the Carinthians were unable to turn the game around. On the contrary, the Tyroleans scored during a 4:3 power play to seal the 5:1 final score, with Julia Föger poking the puck over the line from close range to secure a place in the final (53.).

The DEBL2 Austrian Championship final between SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein and Red Angels Innsbruck takes place on Sunday from 15:30, preceded by the third-place game between Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG II and VSV Lady Hawks III at 10:15. All games will be played at Sportpark Kitzbühel with free admission.

DEBL 2 Final Four

Semi-final 1:

SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein vs. Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG II 2:1 (1:1,1:0,0:0)
Sat., 14 March 2026, 15:30, Sportpark Kitzbühel
Goalscorers for SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein: Sophia Widmair (7th minute), Helena Hörl (38th minute)
Goalscorer for Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG II: Lisa Kail (6th minute/PP1)

Semi-final 2:

Red Angels Innsbruck vs. VSV Lady Hawks III 5:1 (0:0,4:1,1:0)
Sat, 14 March 2026, 18:30, Sportpark Kitzbühel
Goalscorers for Red Angels Innsbruck: Tanja Knoll (24th minute/PP1), Lea Mair (28th minute/PP1, 32th minute), Julia Föger (39th minute, 53th minute/PP1)
Goalscorer for VSV Lady Hawks III: Sabrina Di Casmirro (37th minute)

3rd-place game: 

VSV Lady Hawks III vs. Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG II
Sun, 15 March 2026, 10:15, Sportpark Kitzbühel - >> to the RED+ livestream

Final:

SPG Kitzbühel/Kufstein vs. Red Angels Innsbruck
Sun, 15 March 2026, 15:30, Sportpark Kitzbühel - >> to the RED+ livestream