Jesenice take the lead against Zeller Eisbären in the Alps Hockey League Final

SIJ Acroni Jesenice opened the Alps Hockey League Final series with a 3:1 away win at EK Die Zeller Eisbären. It was Zell am See’s first defeat in their ninth playoff game. Luc Slivnik (2 goals) and Jack Lyons scored for the Slovenians. The second Final game will take place in Jesenice on Tuesday.

05 April 20251 min read

More than 2.600 fans did not want to miss Zell am See’s first-ever Alps Hockey League Final game – and they were given plenty to enjoy. The home side started the game strongly and created several chances early on, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring through Jack Lyons with 15 minutes played. The teams went into the first intermission at 1:0.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jesenice extended their lead to 2:0 through Luc Slivnik. Jasa Jenko registered the primary assist on both goals. Both teams subsequently had several chances, but the goaltenders delivered strong performances. It was not until 50 minutes had been played that Jesenice goaltender Zan Us was beaten for the first time. Centre Robin Johannson pulled one back for the home side.

In the end, Us stopped 24 of 25 shots, while Max Zimmermann saved 22 of 24 shots. EKZ goaltender Zimmermann was no longer in goal for Jesenice’s third marker – the home side took full risks in an attempt to force an equaliser with a six-on-four advantage. However, Luc Slivnik sealed the win with an empty-net goal, handing Zell am See their first defeat of the current playoffs. The Final series continues in Jesenice on Tuesday.