ÖEL: Hohenems cruise to emphatic win / Wattens pick up points in Kufstein

Image caption: 9:0, 7:0 – SC Hohenems have more to celebrate – Copyright: SC Hohenems

After their opening 9:0 victory over Kufstein, SC Hohenems followed it up with a 7:0 win at HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie on matchday 2 in the West Group. After just 120 minutes of play in the new Ö Eishockey Liga, the Vorarlberg side have scored a remarkable 16 goals! In the other West Group match, WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins beat HC Kufstein 1:0 thanks to Martin Sturm's goal at the 50-minute mark. Matchdays 4 and 5 take place in the North-East Group on Saturday and Sunday, while SC Hohenems host EHC Crocodiles Kundl in the West Group on National Day.

Composed – that is the best way to sum up Hohenems' away performance in Innsbruck. Two goals within four minutes put Die Haie under considerable pressure right from the start. Martin Grabher-Meier's goal for 3:0 shortly before the end of the first period was another setback for the hosts, who had been growing into the game.

Innsbruck tried to force their way back into the game with a high tempo in the second period, but the Vorarlberg side were once again more composed and assured, particularly in front of goal. Lukas Fritz and Daniel Fekete extended the lead to 5:0 within 3:16, effectively deciding the contest early.

Hohenems controlled the game, while the Tyroleans lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. The hosts conceded the 0:6 before the end of the second period, before Julian Grafschafter put the finishing touch on the match at the 49-minute mark in the third. It was Hohenems' second emphatic win in as many games. On National Day, Hohenems host EHC Crocodiles Kundl.

Having been hit by a number of absences the previous week, WSG Swarovski Wattens Penguins welcomed back at least two players for their away game at HC Kufstein.

In a fast-paced contest that remained open until the end, the Penguins came out on top thanks to Martin Sturm's goal at the 50-minute mark.

400 spectators watched HC Kufstein's ÖEL home debut. The goaltenders on both sides repeatedly distinguished themselves. After the Penguins took the lead, the hosts pushed for an equaliser, but Rene Huber kept a clean sheet.

Ivo Novotny, Kufstein Dragons head coach: “There was a clear improvement compared to the game against Hohenems. Unfortunately, there were too many penalties in the end, which prevented us from succeeding. When Herby Steiner and Mike Hummer rejoin the team next week, the whole situation will look different again.”

Following an exciting weekend, the Ö Eishockey Liga continues with three games on National Day. In the North-East Group, the Sharks from Gmunden face Kapfenberger SV EHC, while EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions host ATSE Graz in a fiery Styrian clash. In the West Group, SC Hohenems await EHC Crocodiles Kundl. Watch live on 26 October from 19:00 on Livestream on Online-Sport.

Wiener Eislauf-Verein vs. ATSE Graz
Sat, 23 October 2021, 19:30

UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden vs. EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions
Sat, 23 October 2021, 18:15

UEHV RAUCH Technology Sharks Gmunden vs. Kapfenberger SV EHC
Tue, 26 October 2021, 18:15

EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions vs. ATSE Graz
Tue, 26 October 2021, 19:00

North-East Group standings

HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie vs. SC Hohenems 0:7 (0:3, 0:3, 0:1)
Fri, 22 October 2021, 18:30
SC Hohenems scorers: Johannes Hehle (2:22, A1: Lukas Fritz), Thomas Auer (3:58, A1: Julian Grafschafter), Martin Grabher Meier (18:08, A1: Fabian Mandlburger), Lukas Fritz (22:34, A1: Sebastian Koberger), Daniel Fekete (23:16, A1: Martin Grabher Meier), Martin Grabher-Meier (36:45, A1: Thomas Auer), Julian Grafschafter (48:22, A1: Pascal Kainz, A2: Christian Gmeiner)

HC Kufstein vs. WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins 0:1
Fri, 22 October 2021, 19:45
WSG Swarovski Wattens - Penguins scorer: Martin Sturm (49:35, A1: Lukas Schwitzer)

SC Hohenems vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl
Tue, 26 October 2021, 19:00
Livestream on Online-Sport

West Group standings