HC Kufstein take on SC Hohenems – 1. EHC Althofen open against Spittal

However, the remaining games on the matchday also offer pure ice hockey. As early as Friday, the current West Group leaders EHC Crocodiles Kundl host the defending champions WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins. In the North-East Group, Wiener Eislauf-Verein make their home debut in Bruck an der Leitha against UHT Dukes Graz. Leaders Kapfenberger SV play their first away game in Gmunden against UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden.

Top clash: HC Kufstein host SC Hohenems

HC Kufstein Dragons and SC SAMINA Hohenems both had to accept their first defeats after making flying starts to the season with two wins apiece, of all places in the derbies. Kufstein only lost a thrilling and heated district derby against EHC Crocodiles Kundl in a penalty shoot-out.

The Ibex had an entirely new experience on Austrian National Day: the narrow 3:4 defeat in the Ländle derby against VEU Feldkirch was their first loss in an Ö Eishockey Liga regular-season game. Last season, the team coached by Head Coach Bernd Schmidle won all 19 matches. They now meet again directly on Saturday at Eisarena Kufstein, with a chance to make amends. The clash between second-placed Kufstein and current third-placed Hohenems promises pure tension and emotion.

League leaders Kundl vs. Wattens Penguins

There is great relief among the defending Ö Eishockey Liga champions: WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins took their first three points of the new season with a 4:3 win over Innsbruck's Junghaie. Jaroslav Betka's team had fallen behind in training due to the lack of ice in Wattens and had not yet properly got going.

Another away game awaits on Friday, and it offers an intriguing prospect, with current league leaders EHC Crocodiles Kundl providing the opposition. Following their emphatic derby win over Kufstein, the Crocodiles will certainly be eager for their next prey in the form of three points.

Home debut for WEV vs. UHT Dukes Graz

Following a "road trip" featuring three consecutive away games, which brought one overtime win and two defeats, Wiener Eislauf-Verein make their home debut at Eishalle Leithana in Bruck an der Leitha. League newcomers UHT Dukes Graz are the visitors. The Dukes from the Styrian capital had also begun the season with a win, followed by two defeats. Most recently, they suffered a clear 1:5 defeat against league leaders Kapfenberg.

WEV narrowly lost 3:4 to the Dukes' city rivals ATSE. Both teams will be looking to remain within reach of the coveted three play-off places on Saturday.

ATSE Graz vs. Zeltweg - Murtal Lions

The game between ATSE Graz and EV Zeltweg - Murtal Lions has been cancelled.

Sharks Gmunden take on leaders Kapfenberg

The new season could hardly have begun worse for last season’s quarter-finalists, UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden. The surprise opening defeat against UHT Dukes Graz was followed by two further losses against ATSE Graz and Zeltweg - Murtal Lions.

The Sharks from the Traunsee have recently been struggling with goaltending problems, with none of their netminders fit. Rudi Hummel now returns to the team following his injury, although the task against league leaders Kapfenberg will be no easier even with the experienced goaltender. Kapfenberg, last season’s runners-up, began their league campaign with three wins, scoring 23 goals in three games.

Franz Gärtner, Chairman of Kapfenberger SV: “We have made an excellent start to the season with three wins and have a great goal difference. We are not travelling to Gmunden for a social outing; we are going there to return home with three points. The boys know what is at stake, they are well prepared, and Kris Reinthaler is doing an excellent job. We should not underestimate the Sharks despite their three defeats, but the clear objective is three points!”

South Group: Althofen begin against Spittal

Full match action in the South Group gets under way on 12 November. EC LiWoDruck Spittal have been the busiest side so far and will play their second game of the season against 1st EHC Althofen. The Upper Carinthians lost 3:6 at home to the free-flowing and impressive Jungadler of EC iDM VSV in their opener.

Their first away game now awaits at the Stadthalle Althofen, where head coach Gerald Ressmann is at the helm. The Rhinos entered the inter-regional Ö Eishockey Liga play-offs as winners of the regular season last year, only to narrowly lose to eventual champions Wattens in the semi-finals.

West Group matchday

EHC Crocodiles Kundl vs. WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins
Fri., 28 October 2022, 19:30, Eisarena Kundl

HC Kufstein vs. SC SAMINA Hohenems  
Sat., 29 October 2022, 17:30, Eisarena Kufstein

North-East Group matchday

Wiener Eislauf-Verein vs. UHT Dukes Graz
Sat., 29 October 2022, 16:00, Eishalle Leithana, Bruck an der Leitha

UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden vs. Kapfenberger SV
Sat., 29 October 2022, 18:15, Eishalle Gmunden

ATSE Graz - Eishockey vs. EV Zeltweg - Murtal Lions cancelled

South Group matchday

1st EHC Althofen vs. EC LiWoDruck Spittal
Sat., 29 October 2022, 17:00, Stadthalle Althofen

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