ÖSM AHL Final: Juniors win 3:0 away to Eisbären

After a largely even opening period, the Juniors took control from the second period onwards and created numerous chances. Aljaz Predan struck first in the 25th minute to give the visitors a 1:0 lead. The Eisbären, who managed only three shots on goal in the middle period, could then thank goaltender Max Zimmermann for the score remaining 0:1 after 40 minutes.

The Red Bull Hockey Juniors began the final period in almost identical fashion to the second. Predan scored again after just under five minutes to make it 2:0, and the Bulls continued to apply pressure. 

The Eisbären fought back and created more scoring chances of their own, but could not get the puck into the opposition net. Nikolaus Heigl finally secured the decisive goal in the first final meeting with four minutes remaining. The Bulls now have match point in front of their home crowd on Saturday at 19:15.

Format

The final is played in the Champions Hockey League format, with a first and second leg. The aggregate result from the two matches is used. Overtime (potentially followed by a penalty shoot-out) can only take place in the second leg if the aggregate score is level. Should this be the case, a ten-minute three-on-three Sudden Victory overtime will be played first. The team that scores the first goal wins. If the scores remain level, the winner will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Austrian Alps Hockey League Championship Final

EK Zeller Eisbären vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors 0:3 (0:0, 0:1, 0:2)
Thu, 09 February 2023, 19:30, Eishalle Zell am See
Red Bull Hockey Juniors goalscorers: Aljaz Predan (25th, 45th), Nikolaus Heigl (57th)

Red Bull Hockey Juniors vs. EK Zeller Eisbären
Sat, 11 February 2023, 19:15, Eisarena Salzburg