Derbies and a top-of-the-table clash in the third ÖEL round

The third round of the Austrian Ice Hockey League (ÖEL) takes place on Saturday (17 October). Three Division East games get the matchday under way at 18:30, including HDK Maribor's home game against ASKÖ Grizzlies Linz. The Slovenians are still without a win following defeats to the KSV Kängurus and WEV, and will be hoping to turn things around in front of their home crowd. Linz, meanwhile, travel with momentum after celebrating their first win of the season with the 3:2 victory in Gmunden. All games in the round will be broadcast live on RED+.

Also at 18:30, UEHV CAM4DENT Sharks Gmunden, who have one win to their name so far, host the KSV Kängurus. A response is needed following the defeat to Linz, but the Kängurus have won both of their games and remain unbeaten. ATSE Graz also enter the action at 18:30 and are still waiting for their first success after two defeats, both of them only after regulation time. The task will not get any easier, as the league's most potent attacking side, Wiener Eislauf-Verein, visit Graz. The Viennese have recorded two convincing wins and already have 13:3 goals to their name.

In Division West, HC Kufstein and WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins face off in the Tyrolean derby at 19:00, both seeking their first win. At 19:30, Dornbirner Eishockey Club, who are also still without a win, host EHC Lustenau in the next Vorarlberg derby. Dornbirn recently produced a strong performance in Hohenems and were only beaten in a penalty shootout. Lustenau, on the other hand, have made a perfect start with two wins against Wattens and Kufstein. The round concludes at 20:00 with the top clash between EHC Kundl and SC Samina Hohenems, both of whom have started the season with two wins and will be looking to preserve their perfect records.