Euro­pean Youth Olympic Festival: Austria beat Czechia 5:2

"Unbelievable. Hats off," was Head Coach Peter Schweda almost lost for words after the performance. Martin Haim put on a real display of his talent in goal, while the entire team at times threw themselves in front of shots and left their hearts on the ice. And they were rewarded for it. Czechia set the early tone and took a 1:0 lead in the sixth minute, but a double strike within 48 seconds from Ben Öfner and Paul Schuster spurred the young Austrians on and gave them a 2:1 lead. 

It lasted for 36 minutes. It was not until the final period that our neighbours equalised. Once again, a double strike would decisively set Austria on course for victory. This time, just 23 seconds separated Ben Öfner's renewed lead from Marc Hudritsch's 4:2. Luca Fischer added the 5:2 with just under five minutes remaining.

Austria now face Switzerland on Friday at 15:00. The top 2 teams in the group of three advance to the semi-finals.

Head Coach Peter Schweda: "I have never seen a team performance with so much character, heart, commitment and such a compete level. Martin Haim was incredible in goal. It was chaotic on the ice at times and far from our system, but when players throw themselves in front of shots and the goaltender performs like that, you have a chance. The team has presented itself as a true unit from day one. Now it is on to Switzerland. We are still the underdogs in this group, and we will see what comes of it in the end."

European Youth Olympic Festival

Austria vs. Czechia 5:2 (2:1,0:0,3:1)
Thu, 13 February 2025, 15:00, Tbilisi
Austria goalscorers: Ben Öfner (10th, 54th), Paul Schuster (10th), Marc Hudritsch (54th), Luca Fischer (56th)
Czechia goalscorers: Jaroslav Sedivy (6th), Michal Hartl (47th)

Switzerland vs. Austria
Fri, 14 February 2025, 15:00, Tbilisi
ÖOC livestream