Derby time in the Ländle: VEU Feld­kirch host SC Hohenems

A first in the Ö Eishockey Liga: the first Ländle derby takes place at the Vorarlberghalle on Austria’s National Day.

VEU Feldkirch take on league leaders and title contenders SC SAMINA Hohenems. The Steinböcke turned on the goal machine in their first two matches against HC Innsbruck II and champions Wattens, with 17:2 the impressive goal tally for Head Coach Bernd Schmidle’s team.

VEU’s young team, coached by Head Coach Thomas Sticha, battled bravely and delivered good performances in their first two games, but suffered a narrow 1:3 defeat against Crocodiles Kundl. Their home debut ended in a 2:5 loss to the Dragons from Kufstein, who are currently firing on all offensive cylinders, despite Joonatan Kyllönen giving Feldkirch an early lead.

The Montfortcracks’ biggest shortcoming at present is probably their conversion of chances; according to VEU General Manager Heimo Lindner, they still lack the final ruthlessness in front of the opposition net at key moments.

Heimo Lindner, General Manager VEU Feldkirch: "The first two games of the new season went quite well in terms of the way we played. Our team was the better side in both games, but we still lack the final ruthlessness at decisive moments. We will have to approach the game against SC Hohenems with even more energy, even more courage and, above all, a high degree of discipline. Of course, we know that Hohenems go into the game as favourites, but that is precisely where our opportunity lies. If we can say after the game that our play and every player have developed further, then we will have done everything right."

Michael Unterberger, assistant coach and sporting director SC Hohenems: "We are looking forward to the first game against VEU, who will probably be without reinforcements from the Pioneers on Wednesday. Nevertheless, we will not underestimate our opponents and will try to play our game from the outset once again."

Kundl vs. Kufstein district derby

HC Kufstein are currently riding a wave of success in Group West. After beating champions Wattens, the Dragons also won 5:2 at VEU Feldkirch. EHC Crocodiles Kundl are likewise on maximum points after two rounds, having celebrated a 5:2 home win against HC Innsbruck II.

Now comes the first district derby, which Kundl chairman Gerhard Maier, with a wink, compares to the Schalke versus Dortmund clash in the German Bundesliga when it comes to emotions. According to Kufstein coach Ivo Novotny, the derby at the Eisarena Kundl should attract a good crowd.

Gerhard Maier, chairman EHC Crocodiles Kundl: "The games against Kufstein are always very special for EHC Kundl. We have made a good start to the season with two wins, so naturally we also want to beat Kufstein. Of course, we know that this will require a day when everything works and every player is ready to give everything. The Crocodiles will certainly give everything – whether it is enough, we will see on Tuesday!"

Ivo Novotny, Head Coach HC Kufstein Dragons: "We have done a really good job in the last two games. Now the first derby is on the agenda. Games against Kundl are always something special. We expect numerous fans to travel to Kundl with us and create a really great atmosphere. I think we have confidence and can look positively towards the game. If we fulfil our tasks, a win should certainly be possible."

HC Innsbruck II face champions Wattens

One thing is certain before the game between HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II and WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins has even begun: one of the two teams still without a point will claim their first win of the season.

In their opener against title contenders SC Hohenems, the Junghaie played bold, high-tempo hockey with some good passages in the first ten minutes, but after the 0:1 for the Vorarlberg side, the young players lost their way. In the end, they suffered a heavy 1:10 defeat against the composed Steinböcke, who were ruthless in front of the opposition net.

Their second match brought a 2:5 defeat against EHC Kundl. Now Innsbruck play their first home game against the reigning champions from Wattens.

The Penguins had also started the new season with two defeats, with the defending champions losing 2:6 against HC Kufstein. This was followed by a 1:7 defeat against SC Hohenems last weekend. Wattens are still behind in training due to a lack of ice at the Alpenstadion and have yet to play a home game.

Group West matchday

EHC Crocodiles Kundl vs. HC Kufstein
Tue, 25 October 2022, 19:30, Eisarena Kundl

HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II vs. WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins
Wed, 26 October 2022, 18:00, TIWAG Arena

VEU Feldkirch vs. SC SAMINA Hohenems
Wed, 26 October 2022, 19:30, Vorarlberghalle

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More articles on the Ö Eishockey Liga:

SC Hohenems comprehensively defeat champions Wattens - ATSE Graz overcome WEV

HC Kufstein beat VEU Feldkirch - VSV celebrate victory in Spittal