Red Bull Salzburg secure Cham­pions Hockey League playoff spot after win in Växjö

EC Red Bull Salzburg travelled to Sweden full of confidence. Head coach Oliver David's team had won their previous three CHL games, while the Red Bulls had even left the ice as winners four times in a row in the league. The reigning ICE champions confirmed their strong form in the game in Växjö as well. However, the Swedes had the better of the first period and took the lead in the 17th minute. Salzburg were more than a match for their opponents thereafter. 

Defensively, the visitors could rely on a strong David Kickert in goal, and they were clinical in front of goal in the final ten minutes. Lucas Thaler (51.) first equalised with a backhand effort, while Ali Wukovits screened Växjö netminder Benedikt Oschgan – the 19-year-old Austrian in the Swedish goal, who played for Linz in the Alps Hockey League last season, had to be substituted shortly afterwards due to injury. 

Salzburg capitalised on a late penalty against the home side to seal the win. In the 59th minute, Peter Schneider fired a one-timer into the top corner, and just 25 seconds later Ryan Murphy finished off a fine move involving Raffl and Schneider to make it 3:1. The Red Bulls have therefore qualified for the Champions Hockey League playoffs.

Champions Hockey League:

Växjö Lakers vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg 1:3 (1:0,0:0,0:3)
Tue, 08 October 2024
Salzburg goalscorers: Lucas Thaler (51.), Peter Schneider (59./PP1), Ryan Murphy (59./PP1)

All information on the Champions Hockey League on the official website