Red Bull Hockey Juniors take the lead against EK Die Zeller Eisbären in the final

The Red Bull Hockey Juniors made a dream start in the first leg of the final against EK Die Zeller Eisbären following the atmospheric pre-match rendition of the Austrian national anthem at the Eisarena Salzburg: Phillip Sinn gave the home side the lead in the Salzburg state derby after exactly 29 seconds, making it 1:0 (1').

Just under six minutes later, Eisbären captain Hubert Berger equalised at 1:1 (7'). The young Bulls were dominant in the first period and had significantly more shots on goal.

That continued in the second period, although Head Coach Teemu Levijoki's team were now far more efficient in front of the opposition net: goals from Vasily Zelenov for 2:1 and Daniel Assavolyuk for 3:1 within 36 seconds gave the Hockey Juniors a two-goal lead (25'). After 40 minutes, the Red Bull Hockey Juniors held a 28:11 advantage in shots on goal.

In the final period, the Zeller Eisbären made the match more evenly balanced, but found RBS netminder Simon Wolf in outstanding form. Neither team could find another goal in an enthralling game. The Red Bull Hockey Juniors ultimately won 3:1 and will defend a two-goal lead on Saturday. The return leg takes place at 19:30 at the KE KELIT ARENA in Zell am See.

Austrian Championship final, Alps Hockey League:

First leg of the final:

Red Bull Hockey Juniors vs. EK Die Zeller Eisbären 3:1 (1:1,2:0,0:0)
Thu, 08 February 2024, 19:15, Eisarena Salzburg
Red Bull Hockey Juniors goalscorers: Phillip Sinn (1'), Vasily Zelenov (25') Daniel Assavolyuk (25')
EK Die Zeller Eisbären goalscorer: Hubert Berger (7')

Return leg of the final:

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors
Sat, 10 February 2024, 19:30, KE KELIT Arena