Division West: HC Kufstein celebrate opening win against VEU Feldkirch
HC Kufstein and VEU Feldkirch ushered in the third season of the Ö Eishockey Liga on Friday. The Tyroleans celebrated a 4:1 home win in Division West. Kufstein’s match-winner was prolific scorer David Hrazdira with three goals. Division West continues as early as Sunday: opening-day winners Kufstein take on league newcomers Dornbirner EC at the Messestadion Dornbirn.
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As in the previous season, the fans at the Kufstein Ice Arena created a great turnout and atmosphere for the very first game. However, the more than 500 spectators had to wait until the 16th minute of the home opener before Czech goalscorer David Hrazdira gave the Dragons a 1:0 lead.
VEU Feldkirch, who travelled with only 14 skaters, stood firm and even had more shots on goal, 12:9, in the first period. Early in the second period, Dominique Saringer made it 2:0 on the power play (23rd).
When David Hrazdira made it 3:0 with his second goal shortly after the halfway mark, following an assist from returning player Taylor Holst – the defenceman had already played for the Fortress Town side from 2015 to 2017 and joined the Dragons shortly before the start of the season following Wattens’ withdrawal from the ÖEL – the game appeared to be decided prematurely.
However, the team led by new Danish head coach Lars Foder did not give up and, on a 5:3 power play, Joonatan Kyllönen (36th) pulled them back to 1:3, breathing new life into VEU. In the final period, David Hrazdira sealed the 4:1 win for HC Kufstein with his third goal just under three minutes from time.
Division West of the Ö Eishockey Liga continues on Sunday with league newcomers Dornbirner EC taking on opening-day winners HC Kufstein. For the young Bulldogs, their first home game at the Messestadion Dornbirn will provide their first real test in the third tier.
Division East starts on 14 October 2023
One week after the opening in the West, the Division East season also gets under way on 14 October 2023.
ATSE Graz face Kapfenberger SV, who are considered among the title favourites again this season after comfortably winning their division and reaching the semi-finals last term. EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions take on Wiener Eislauf-Verein, while UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden travel to face UHT Dukes Graz.
Ö Eishockey Liga - Division West
1st matchday:
HC Kufstein vs. VEU Feldkirch 4:1 (1:0,2:1,1:0)
Fri, 06 October 2023, 19:45, Kufstein Ice Arena
HC Kufstein goalscorers: David Hrazdira (15:16, 30:33, 56:45), Dominique Saringer (22:09/PP1)
VEU Feldkirch goalscorer: Joonatan Kyllönen (35:55/PP2)
Dornbirner Eishockey Club vs. HC Kufstein
Sun, 08 October 2023, 17:30, Messehalle Dornbirn
SC Samina Hohenems 1974 vs. VEU Feldkirch
Postponed to Sat, 14 October 2023, 17:30, Eisstadion Hohenems
EHC Crocodiles Kundl have a bye
Ö Eishockey Liga - Division East
1st matchday:
ATSE Graz vs. Kapfenberger SV
Sat, 14 October 2023, 18:00, Merkur Eisstadion Halle B
EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions vs. Wiener Eislauf-Verein
Sat, 14 October 2023, 19:00, Aichfeldhalle
UHT Dukes Graz vs. UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden
Sat, 14 October 2023, 20:00, Merkur Eisstadion
All Ö Eishockey Liga tables, statistics and fixtures in the Gamecenter
