Derby block­buster parade in the West – Sharks Gmunden chal­lenge Kapfen­berg in the East Divi­sion

HC Kufstein vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Thu, 26th October 2023, 17:30, Eisarena Kufstein

The West Division’s big clash of the round takes place at the Eisarena Kufstein on National Day. The previously flawless HC Kufstein – with four wins from four games – host last season’s finalists SC Samina Hohenems in their first real test of the season. 

Roland Luchner, Chairman of the Board and Marketing Board Member at HC Kufstein is preparing for an ice hockey festival in the fortress town with his club: "We are hugely looking forward to the two "back-to-back" home games against SC Hohenems and EHC Kundl. With SC Hohenems, the big favourites in the West Division are coming to Kufstein for the first time. Just two days later, we have the second big derby of the season at home against EHC Kundl. Two treats that all of Kufstein is really looking forward to."

Hohenems head coach Thomas Sticha is impressed by the Tyroleans’ strength, but is sending his team onto the ice with confidence and self-belief: "The long break from games is certainly a slight handicap, but it is what it is and we will not let it throw us off course. Kufstein will certainly be a tough opponent; they have won their first four games and are on a roll. They play very offensively and try to decide games early. That also presents the opportunity to catch them out when they make mistakes, and then we have to take advantage of it. It will be a game between two good teams, and we will be the team that makes fewer mistakes."

EHC Crocodiles Kundl vs. VEU Feldkirch

Thu, 26th October 2023, 19:30, Eisarena Kundl

HC Kufstein vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl

Sat, 28th October 2023, 17:30, Eisarena Kufstein

The EHC Crocodiles Kundl face VEU Feldkirch on National Day. After two opening defeats, the Crocodiles had taken out their frustration on Dornbirn. Now, the team coached by Manfred Mühllechner must back up their clear win over the Vorarlberg side in their next clash with a Ländle club. 

VEU Feldkirch had established themselves in the Ö Eishockey Liga from the outset last season and reached the play-offs straight away, but most recently they had to acknowledge the attacking power of the Kufstein Dragons.

The Crocodiles Kundl, who also play the local derby against HC Kufstein on Saturday, want to build on last Friday’s game against Dornbirn, as Kundl chairman Gerhard Maier stresses: "We want to pick up in both games where we left off last Friday. That means we are targeting six points with full concentration and focus!"

In the first derby, the Dragons had already led 4:0 before the Crocodiles launched a comeback, but ultimately had to concede a narrow defeat to Kufstein.

VEU Feldkirch vs. Dornbirner EC

Sat, 28 October 2023, 19:30 pm, Vorarlberghalle

Dornbirner EC vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Sun, 29 October 2023, 17:30 pm, Messestadion

The Division West of the Ö Eishockey Liga has no fewer than two Vorarlberg derbies to offer this weekend. Following the game against HC Kufstein on National Day, SC Samina Hohenems will round off the weekend on Sunday with the Vorarlberg derby against Dornbirner EC, which, following its clash with VEU Feldkirch on Saturday, will play its second Vorarlberg derby within 22 hours at the Messestadion Dornbirn.

SC Hohenems head coach Thomas Sticha warns his team about the young Bulldogs: "It would be a major mistake to underestimate Dornbirn based on their results so far. In the games I have attended, I have seen a young and hungry side capable of fighting fiercely. In recent games, they have also lacked the necessary luck in some key situations to get the puck into the net."

Pavel Takač, head coach of Dornbirner EC, sees his players under pressure ahead of the derby double-header, but also in a learning process: "In Feldkirch, we will try to be better than we were last weekend. We train hard and the young players need to learn to take on more responsibility. It will be important that we remain mentally strong and do not let our heads drop after falling behind. We also need to be mentally strong against Hohenems and give them few chances."

Division East:

UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden vs. Kapfenberger SV

Sat, 28 October 2023, 18:15 pm, Eishalle Gmunden

On Saturday, UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden take on the league leaders, who have been playing confidently so far, Kapfenberger SV. Last Saturday, the Sharks suffered their first defeat of the season. The team coached by Head Coach Gregor Baumgartner put up an exciting fight against ATSE Graz for two periods, with the Styrians only finally prevailing in the final period. 

Kapfenberg, alongside HC Kufstein, are currently the benchmark in the Ö Eishockey Liga. Two strong early-season performances against ATSE Graz and the Zeltweg Murtal Lions have underlined the title ambitions of the Mürztal side.

Player-coach Kristof Reinthaler was pleased after the clear derby win against the Murtal Lions: "From the first minute, we delivered a really good performance from the first through to the third line," and already knows how to prepare his team for the Sharks from Lake Traunsee: "We will build on this game, but in future we need to get our shots away more quickly and, rather than being overly elaborate, make a greater effort to get the puck in front of goal."

Sharks Gmunden Head Coach Gregor Baumgartner is looking forward to the challenge against the division leaders: "The game against Kapfenberg will certainly be a very difficult task for our team. We have recently realised that there is still quite a lot we need to improve. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to a great game!" Chairman Thomas Schatzl adds: "Kapfenberg are the group favourites and a goal-scoring machine, having conceded just one goal. The only way to win will be through a strong defensive performance."

EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions vs. UHT Dukes Graz

Sat, 28 October 2023, 19:00, Aichfeldhalle

The EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions face UHT Dukes Graz at the Aichfeldhalle, aka the Murtal Lions Arena. Last Saturday, the Lions had to acknowledge the superiority of Kapfenberger SV in the first Upper Styria derby of the season, but have already put the heavy defeat behind them.

Zeltweg Murtal Lions chairman Christian Mayerl wants to see the character his team showed in the opening game against WEV against the Graz side: "The game against Kapfenberg is done and dusted. We are looking ahead and focusing on ourselves and on what we can influence. No complaining about missing players, injuries, etc., but focusing on the team that can take the ice, and it has to give everything. At home, we want to build on the game against Vienna: that commitment and that ambition must be the foundation for going all out against the Dukes and forcing fortune onto our side. We have our objective and we will pursue it, regardless of what twists and turns the championship may bring!"

ATSE Graz vs. Wiener Eislauf-Verein

Sat, 28 October 2023, 19:30, Graz Merkur Eisstadion - Halle B

The ATSE Graz host Wiener Eislauf-Verein on Saturday at the Graz Merkur Eisstadion - Halle B, following their strong away performance at Sharks Gmunden. 

After two matchdays, one thing has already become clear in the Division Ost: the battle for the three play-off places behind title contenders Kapfenberger SV will be exciting. Anyone can beat anyone: "Collect points" is the motto for the head-to-head match-ups. 

Rupert Strohmeier, sporting director and player for the Graz side, is expecting an intense match in the classic fixture against WEV: "WEV await us on Saturday as an opponent who tries to disrupt their opponents through intense physical play and a consistent four-line game. They have also added quality over the summer. It will therefore not be an easy task. But we also have a large squad and will respond accordingly and try to impose our game on them. If we manage that, then points should also be there for the taking. It will certainly be an intense and exciting game!"

Vienna have made a good start to the new season and will play two more away games before their home opener at the atmospheric open-air stadium of the Wiener Eislaufverein is scheduled for 18th November. 

Head Coach Mario Kubeczka knows how his team must approach the game against the Styrians: "To hold our own against ATSE Graz, we will need to be very disciplined. It will be a matter of sticking to the game plan for 60 minutes and taking as few penalties as possible, then anything is possible. Like ATSE, we have also strengthened our squad well this year. That makes it all the more interesting to see who will win the first meeting. We will definitely give everything!"

Ö Eishockey Liga - Division West

HC Kufstein vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Thu, 26th October 2023, 17:30, Eisarena Kufstein

EHC Crocodiles Kundl vs. VEU Feldkirch

Thu, 26th October 2023, 19:30, Eisarena Kundl

HC Kufstein vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl

Sat, 28th October 2023, 17:30, Eisarena Kufstein

VEU Feldkirch vs. Dornbirner EC

Sat, 28th October 2023, 19:30, Vorarlberghalle

Ö Eishockey Liga - Division East

UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden vs. Kapfenberger SV

Sat, 28th October 2023, 18:15, Eishalle Gmunden

EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions vs. UHT Dukes Graz

Sat, 28th October 2023, 19:00, Aichfeldhalle

ATSE Graz vs. Wiener Eislauf-Verein

Sat, 28th October 2023, 19:30, Graz Merkur Eisstadion - Hall B

All standings, statistics and fixtures for the Ö Eishockey Liga in the Game Centre

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