ÖEL: High tension ahead of the opening games in Carinthia

Image note: Daniel Hintermann in the jersey of the U20 team of EC GRAND Immo VSV - Copyright: Rene Krammer

Following HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II in the West Group, the next major club from the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League is now embarking on the Ö Eishockey Liga project. The U20 team of EC GRAND Immo VSV faces ESC SoccerZone Steindorf at the Ossiacher See Halle. This immediately means a derby for the young Villach side coached by former national team forward Marco Pewal. As with Innsbruck's young Sharks, the aim for the blue-and-whites is to introduce young players to senior hockey.
Steindorf's home venue enjoys a magnificent location on the shores of Lake Ossiach. In Carinthian ice hockey, the Steindorf side coached by Mike Mayer are a major force: ESC players were champions in the top Carinthian division four times in succession before being succeeded by the Rhinos from Althofen. Now the Ossiacher See Eishackler want to return to the top.

Marco Pewal, Head Coach of the U20 team of EC GRAND Immo VSV:“For us, the development of young players is the priority. The Ö Eishockey Liga is a good platform for making the step from youth to senior hockey. Many teams in the league feature experienced players who can control and decide games with their composure and vision. It is important for my players to learn how to approach physical battles properly. That is different at this level than in youth hockey. We are taking it game by game. At the moment, it is difficult to assess where we stand. We can certainly keep up in terms of pace, and the longer the season goes on, the more surprises we will deliver. Our goal is to reach the play-offs. Steindorf on Saturday have a lot of quality and many experienced players, as we saw in the friendly at the Siggi Kert Memorial Tournament.”

The 1st EHC Althofen versus EC LiWoDruck Spittal Hornets duel also promises excitement. The Rhinos are the reigning champions in Carinthia; on 7 March 2020, their title dream had become reality against serial champions Steindorf. Now, with Gerald Ressmann behind the bench, a familiar figure in Austrian ice hockey is in charge in the spa town.

Gerald Ressmann, Head Coach of 1st EHC Althofen:“We have big plans. Our seasonal objectives for the club are to offer our youth players age-appropriate, specialised ice hockey training. The second team is to be brought up to the standard of the senior team in terms of training methods and playing philosophy. We want to offer our fans attractive, technical, structured hockey with character. Of course, the objective for the entire club – team, coaches and board – is to reach the final. Preparations went well: we had ten weeks of summer training, three weeks on the ice so far and the Siggi Kert Memorial Tournament in Steindorf. At that tournament, the first and second teams each played one game. Opening opponents Spittal have compact lines and three or four dangerous individual players. We are looking forward to an exciting start.”

The Hornets from Spittal have been preparing for the upcoming season since mid-September. The players coached by Florian Orzetek train three times a week at the Spittal Eis-Sport-Arena. Not always at full strength, but they have delivered good performances in their friendlies.

Florian Orzetek, Head Coach of EC LiWoDruck Spittal Hornets:“Our objective for the season is to finish in the top four. Preparations were mixed, as unfortunately we were never able to train with a full squad. Despite the thin roster, a few of the pre-season games were very good. There are certain things we still need to work on. Althofen will certainly be strong opponents again. I hope we can face them at full strength. With Gerald Ressmann, they have an experienced coach. If Althofen are at full strength, it will certainly be an exciting game.”

In the West Group, EHC Crocodiles Kundl face HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II as early as Friday. The Crocodiles are hoping for an improvement in performance, having recently felt the effects of their lengthy injury list. The young Sharks suffered a clear 2:10 defeat against Hohenems, but achieved a small partial success by winning the final period.

Gerhard Maier, Chairman of EHC Crocodiles Kundl:“After the poor performances we have shown recently, we should be able to pick up something against the Sharks' farm team. Although we still have a lengthy injury list to contend with, Thomas Müller's return gives us hope for improvement.”

And on Saturday, WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins host SC Hohenems. The Vorarlberg side are running riot in the Ö Eishockey Liga and are currently clear leaders in the West. The Penguins are the ice skating club's closest challengers ahead of the weekend's games. Can the Wattens sporting association stop Head Coach Bernd Schmidle's ice hockey express?

In the North-East Group, another classic fixture awaits this weekend when one considers the names of the two clubs and reflects on their history in Austrian ice hockey. Wiener Eislauf-Verein face Kapfenberger SV EHC in Bruck/Leitha. Kapfenberg lead the table, but on Tuesday, in the continuation of the game abandoned on the national holiday, they suffered their first defeat of the season in a penalty shoot-out against UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden. The sharks from Lake Traunsee, having claimed their first points of the season with two, now await ATSE Graz, who must enter the shark tank on Saturday. Graz most recently prevailed 4:3 in overtime in an entertaining duel against EV Zeltweg - Murtal Lions.

1. EHC Althofen vs. EC LiWoDruck Spittal
Sat, 06 November 2021, 17:00

EC GRAND Immo VSV vs. ESC SoccerZone Steindorf
Sat, 06 November 2021, 18:00 - the game will be played in Steindorf

EHC Crocodiles Kundl vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie II
Fri, 05 November 2021, 19:30

WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins vs. SC Hohenems
Sat, 06 November 2021, 19:30

Wiener Eislauf-Verein vs. Kapfenberger SV - Eishockeyclub
Sat, 06 November 2021, 21:00

UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden vs. ATSE Graz
Sat, 06 November 2021, 18:15