Sabres claim maiden win2day Austrian Women's Hockey League title
The Sabres St. Pölten secured their maiden title at the win2day Austrian Women’s Hockey League Final-4 presented by Kronen Zeitung. The Lower Austrian side prevailed 5:2 over the KSV Highlanders in a thrilling and intense final. In the bronze-medal game, the Lakers Kärnten claimed a 4:2 win over the EC Graz99ers Huskies. Hannah Tait was named MVP of the final tournament, having made her mark on the final with two goals and two assists. Around 1.000 fans attended the Linz AG Eisarena on Friday and Saturday to follow the premiere of the win2day Austrian Women’s Hockey League Final-4 live, which also received extensive coverage on ORF Sport+. Alongside captivating show acts, including Virginia Ernst’s single presentation, it was above all the players on the ice who provided inspiring moments.
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Sabres prevail in emotional final
In an emotionally charged win2day AWHL Final-4 final, the Sabres St. Pölten claimed their maiden title with a 5:2 victory over the KSV Highlanders. Led by an outstanding Hannah Tait, who scored twice in the first period, the Sabres made a perfect start and took a 2:0 lead into the middle period. The Lower Austrians quickly extended their advantage there: Katharina Killius scored for 3:0 at 24 minutes. Just three minutes later, Emma McKnight netted her third goal of the tournament to make it a seemingly decisive 4:0.
However, the Highlanders fought their way back in the final period: Vanessa Picka made it 1:4 at 44 minutes, before Nikola Rumanova reduced the deficit to 2:4 almost three minutes later to reignite hope for her team. But the Sabres saw out the game, with Anna Billa scoring an empty-net goal at 59 minutes to seal the 5:2 final score. Hannah Tait was ultimately named tournament MVP thanks to her strong overall performance of two goals and three assists.
Lakers Kärnten secure bronze after thrilling game
Earlier, the Lakers Kärnten prevailed 4:2 over the EC Graz99ers Huskies in the bronze-medal game after several lead changes. Following a scoreless but hard-fought opening period, the Lakers took the lead through Isabelle Hardy. However, Shelby Bailen equalised on the power play just four minutes later. Buoyed by the goal, the Styrians increased the pressure and even took the lead through Bara Kafkova early in the final period.
But the Lakers showed great fighting spirit and responded impressively: Adele Vavrova equalised at 52 minutes, before Christina Schusser restored Kärnten’s lead at 54 minutes. Carolyn Whitney ultimately sealed the 4:2 final score with an empty-net goal. Lakers goaltender Anja Adamitsch was named player of the game.
Captivating supporting programme rounded off the premiere
The Final-4 final day got under way at lunchtime with the Para Hockey Day. Those interested had the opportunity not only to see Para hockey sledges – known as “sledges” – but also to try them out themselves. “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to present our sport to a broad audience as part of the Final-4 tournament. We are taking small steps, but we are on the right track to establish Para ice hockey in Austria and are always delighted to welcome new players,” said Para ice hockey team manager Libor Fischer. David Zimmermann from Gamechanger Hockey then ceremonially presented a sledge as a donation.
Virginia Ernst provided the musical highlight of the event. Supported by an impressive performance from ASKÖ Linz Eiskunstlauf, the singer-songwriter and former professional ice hockey player presented her new single “Hallo”.
