Sensa­tional battling perfor­mance

The second meeting against Slovakia at the spa resort of Piestany saw the Austrian national team take to the ice without the injured Peter Schneider, Stefan Gaffal and Gerd Kragl. In Schneider's place, Alexander Rauchenwald led Austria onto the ice as captain, while Bernhard Starkbaum was between the pipes this time.

The first ten minutes produced an even contest, with Benjamin Baumgartner registering Austria's first good shot on goal. The hosts also created good opportunities, however, with Starkbaum and the crossbar rescuing Austria from an early deficit.

Two penalties against the ÖEHV selection put Slovakia ahead in the first period. Milos Roman and Adrian Holesinsky scored within four minutes to make it 2:0 for the team ranked ninth in the world. That was also the score as the teams headed to the dressing rooms for the first time. Austria grew into the game as it progressed and had several good opportunities, particularly in the final period.

In the final 20 minutes, however, the referees also had their hands full as the game became increasingly physical and both teams frequently had to visit the penalty box. Rauchenwald, Marco Richter and Patrick Spannring all had Austria's first goal on their sticks, but despite a determined fight, it did not come.

"The team's battling performance was sensational; everyone fought until the final minute," said head coach Roger Bader. "We have played 120 minutes against Slovakia and, at 5 against 5, we finished 1:1. We can be satisfied with the performance, but our finishing needs to improve."

The national team will travel home on Monday before heading to Telfs for the next gathering on Wednesday. The following weekend will feature the seventh and eighth friendlies on the schedule, with Italy, the next A-nation, awaiting in Bolzano.