Surprise guest at training

Off-ice training combined with sessions on the ice featured on the agenda at the women's national team's first camp of the season. In Villach, the site of the future National Performance Centre for Women's Ice Hockey, head coach Jari Risku will also make his debut behind the bench in the international matches against Slovakia on Saturday and Sunday.

ORF Sport+ will broadcast the first encounter live on 19 December, with former national team player Marlene Brunner appearing for the first time as an expert alongside commentator Michael Berger, while LAOLA1.at will also show it live. The return match on 20 December will be broadcast live on LAOLA1.at, and both live videos will also be embedded on the federation website www.eishockey.at.

"It is our first camp together. Being able to hold it is not a given in these times. The season has been difficult and challenging for everyone so far. This week is about finding out how we play together and gel on the ice, both offensively and defensively," explains the Finn Risku.

NHL forward Michael Raffl dropped in as a surprise guest at training, took part in the skills drills and impressed in the final shootout against the Austrian goaltenders. "As Michael is preparing in Villach for the NHL season, which is due to start shortly, I asked him whether he would like to train briefly with the national team. It is an added motivation for the players when one of Austria's best players takes the time for a joint training session. I wish him all the best for the start of the NHL season," says President Dr. Klaus Hartmann.

NATIONAL TEAM FIXTURES 2020/21

(CANCELLED) 04–07.11.2020: Training camp and international matches
Venue: Budapest/Hungary
Participants: Hungary, Austria

05.11.2020, 16:30: Austria – Hungary
06.11.2020, 16:30: Hungary – Austria

16–20.12.2020: Training camp and international matches
Venue: Villach
Participants: Austria, Slovakia

16–18.12.2020: Training days
19.12.2020, 16:00: Austria - Slovakia (live on ORF Sport+ and LAOLA1.at)
20.12.2020, 12:30: Austria - Slovakia (live on LAOLA1.at)