Derby show­down between HC Kufstein and EHC Kundl – WEV take on leaders Sharks Gmunden

HC Kufstein vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl

Fri, 06 December 2024, 19:45, Eisarena Kufstein 

District derby time on St Nicholas Day in the Division West: HC Kufstein will be looking for revenge at home against local rivals EHC Crocodiles Kundl on Friday. The Crocodiles won the first meeting of the season on 25 October 4:3 in overtime following an exciting and hard-fought contest. 

In the clash between the two Lower Inn Valley rivals – whose home venues are only just under 25 road kilometres apart – this time it is not just about prestige: the Dragons and the Crocodiles are currently neighbours in the standings, with Kundl sitting third, one point ahead of Kufstein. So, in terms of the table as well, it really is about being number one in the district. The hosts recently pushed league leaders Lustenau all the way for almost 55 minutes, with the side from Vorarlberg only prevailing at the end.

Willi Lanz, HC Kufstein sporting director, is looking forward to an emotional and atmospheric night of ice hockey: "We need to build on our performance against Lustenau. We played a really good game for more than 55 minutes. Kundl suit us very well in principle. We like it when things get a bit more emotional. It will certainly be a great night of ice hockey."

Kundl recently faced the Wattens Penguins twice. Following a narrow 0:2 away defeat, the team coached by head coach Jaroslav Betka gained perfect revenge with a 6:2 home win last Friday.

Kundl chairman Gerhard Maier wants his team not to give away any points on St Nicholas Day, but to take something tangible away from the fortress town: "Every derby is eagerly anticipated. We always feel very comfortable in Kufstein and have always taken something away from there recently. Let's see what is possible for us on St Nicholas Day!"

EHC Lustenau vs. Dornbirner EC

Sat, 07 December 2024, 17:30, Rheinhalle

The Division West features another derby on Saturday, this time in the Ländle: league leaders EHC Lustenau host Dornbirner EC. After their sensational derby victory over Hohenems last Sunday – also their first win of the season – the young Bulldogs travel with confidence to the Rheinhalle, just five kilometres away, for the away game. 

Lustenau quickly returned to winning ways against HC Kufstein after their derby defeat to the Steinböcke in Herrenried, but they had to battle hard for a long time against the impressive Tyroleans to secure the three points. 

"After a very bumpy start, the Bulldogs have now gradually found their stride. The 4:3 win is not a surprise to me, as they repeatedly showed very good ice hockey in phases. Unfortunately, they have not yet been able to realise their potential over 60 minutes, and at times have been beaten below their true value," said EHC coach Dániel Fekete. 

"We certainly will not do Dornbirn the favour of underestimating them. We want to remain unbeaten at home and play power hockey at the Rheinhalle from the very first minute," Fekete adds.

Dornbirn experienced a derby highlight on Sunday, capped by a relieving late strike: with 13 seconds left in overtime, Matheo Sottopietro hammered the puck into the net from the left face-off circle to make it 4:3 against Hohenems. A goal that made a statement! Head coach Jaroslav Husar's team will need a similar performance in Lustenau if they are to make people forget the first meeting, which the Lions won convincingly 7:0. 

Dornbirn chairman Christof Schwendinger wants his team to keep their feet on the ground after the breakthrough of their first win: "At the weekend, we are away to the league leaders, who have hardly dropped any points so far. Although we were able to win in overtime against a strong Hohenems side, we know that we have to keep our feet on the ground and continue to work hard on ourselves. I admit that this success was very important for the team, but equally for all the helpers, supporters and spectators. Every game needs a bit of luck, and this time we earned that luck. It will be very difficult for us again in Lustenau at the weekend, as Lustenau have often shown their class this season. The first game at home was also a clear-cut affair. We travel to our neighbouring municipality full of confidence and will work hard again!"

WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Sat, 07 December 2024, 19:30, Alpenstadion

For the WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins Saturday's home game at the Alpenstadion against the current second-placed team in the West Division, SC Samina Hohenems is hugely important: keeping in touch with the play-off places is the motto for the players from the Crystal City. The Penguins recently suffered a 2:6 defeat against Kundl, but their two full victories in the previous two home games against Dornbirn and the Crocodiles showed that visiting teams do not find it easy to pick up points at the Alpenstadion.

After the painful derby defeat against the increasingly strong Bulldogs from Dornbirn, SC Hohenems are looking to make amends in Tyrol. Last season's runners-up go into the third meeting of the campaign as favourites – the Steinböcke won both home games, 9:2 and 8:2. 

Hohenems head coach Thomas Sticha is demanding that his side return to a more direct attacking game against Wattens: "The derby at the weekend clearly highlighted our current problem. We are trying to be too clever and want to create a spectacular goal every time. Once we get that out of our heads, I am convinced that we will score the goals needed to win games again. Wattens await us this weekend, another opponent who are also on the up at the moment, so I am expecting another intense game. I expect the team to show a reaction after dropping points in Dornbirn."

East Division:

Wiener Eislauf-Verein vs. UEHV CAM4DENT Sharks Gmunden

Sat, 07 December 2024, 19:30, WEV Arena, Lothringerstraße 22

The Wiener Eislauf-Verein face league leaders UEHV CAM4DENT Sharks Gmunden. ÖEL clashes at the atmospheric WEV Arena in front of Vienna's Konzerthaus have always guaranteed real ice hockey thrillers. In their first home game last Saturday, the fans once again witnessed a fiercely contested, close match in which the Viennese side only left the ice as 4:3 winners against HDK Maribor after overtime. 

The next blockbuster against the Sharks is now on the agenda. WEV head coach Philipp Ullrich knows the league leaders' strengths: "From the first meeting against Gmunden, we already know what to expect. They have strengthened their squad very well and, like us, want to play direct, high-tempo hockey. We will be ready and are already looking forward to Saturday."

The Traunsee Sharks travel to the capital knowing they have the chance to rectify their only minor blemish of the season. The Upper Austrians have suffered their only defeat to date only against WEV, on 09 November, losing 3:4 in a penalty shootout. In contrast, they have recorded five wins – including two statement victories over defending champions Kapfenberg. 

Gregor Baumgartner, head coach of Sharks Gmunden, knows what awaits his team in the open-air clash at the Wiener Eislauf-Verein rink: "It will be a very tough game for us in Vienna. At Heumarkt, the challenge is not only WEV, but also the various distractions. It is extremely important to stay focused. Phillip Ulrich's team plays aggressively and works hard for 60 minutes, so we cannot afford to lose concentration for even a minute!"

KSV Kängurus vs. ATSE Graz

Sat, 07 December 2024, 19:30, Stadthalle Kapfenberg

Defending champions KSV Kängurus welcome ATSE Graz to Stadthalle Kapfenberg on Saturday for the "back-to-back" match. The champions from the Mürztal won last weekend's clash in Graz 7:4. The current matchup between Kapfenberg and the Eggenberg side feels a little like a play-off series, as the two opponents will meet again at the Liebenau Merkur Eisstadion on 19 December, for the third time in succession. 

ATSE Graz already have their backs somewhat against the wall ahead of the away game in the Böhlerstadt. Following four consecutive defeats, the players from the Styrian capital find themselves at the bottom of the table. Five points behind fourth-placed Maribor, who currently occupy the final play-off spot, with a game in hand, is the position facing last season's semi-finalists ahead of the difficult game against the Kängurus.

ATSE head coach Markus Losch is demanding greater consistency from his team: "As we lost against Kapfenberg last weekend, we are hoping for immediate revenge. If we are more solid defensively and do not concede seven goals, it could be an exciting game. We must finally return to our old virtues and play consistently. We have now had 45-50 good minutes, but unfortunately too many individual mistakes keep happening. However, the team is already looking forward to the return match!"

HDK Maribor have a bye. The Füchse are back in action on 14 December against UEHV CAM4DENT Sharks Gmunden.

Ö Eishockey Liga - Division West:

HC Kufstein vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl

Fri, 06 December 2024, 19:45, Eisarena Kufstein 

EHC Lustenau vs. Dornbirner EC

Sat, 07 December 2024, 17:30, Rheinhalle

WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Sat, 07 December 2024, 19:30, Alpenstadion

Ö Ice Hockey League – Eastern Division:

Wiener Eislauf-Verein vs. UEHV CAM4DENT Sharks Gmunden

Sat, 07 December 2024, 19:30, WEV Arena, Lothringerstraße 22

KSV Kängurus vs. ATSE Graz

Sat, 07 December 2024, 19:30, Stadthalle Kapfenberg

HDK Maribor has a bye.

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