Thrilling draw in the first final between EK Die Zeller Eisbären and the Red Bull Hockey Juniors

The first Austrian Championship final match in the Alps Hockey League between EK Die Zeller Eisbären and the Red Bull Hockey Juniors began at the KE KELIT ARENA just over 30 minutes late because the Red Bull Hockey Juniors were caught in traffic on their journey to Zell am See.

Following the atmospheric opening featuring the Austrian national anthem customary before a final, both teams played out an intense and closely contested first period, with the young Bulls the stronger side early on. The hosts had the first power play but were unable to turn their numerical advantage into a goal. Late in the first period, the Eisbären took the lead, with Philip Putnik making it 1:0 45 seconds before the first buzzer (20.).

Exactly 45 seconds had been played in the second period when the Red Bull Hockey Juniors levelled quickly at 1:1 through Luca Auer (21.). Shortly after their first power play, which ended without reward, the visitors struck again and had turned the game around just before the halfway mark: following a face-off win in the attacking zone, Eisbären netminder Alexander Schmidt initially saved Adrian Gesson's shot from the slot, but Gesson converted his own rebound to make it 2:1 (29.). After 40 minutes, the Juniors held a clear 29:14 advantage in shots on goal.

The third period began with a flying start for the Pinzgau side, who had carried over the remainder of a power play from the second period and used it perfectly: Tim Coffman equalised at 2:2 after just 17 seconds (41.). Just under six minutes later, the KE KELIT Arena was buzzing: Paul Reiner put the Zeller Eisbären back in front at 3:2 (47.).

With four minutes remaining, the visitors had another power play and did indeed equalise: Florian Lanzinger made it 3:3 late on for the Red Bull Hockey Juniors (58.). This means that the following is certain for the second leg, which will take place at the Eisarena Salzburg on Saturday: the team that wins after 60 minutes, overtime or a penalty shoot-out will be Austrian Alps Hockey League champions.

Austrian Championship Final Alps Hockey League 2025/2026

Final – first leg:

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors 3:3 (1:0,0:2,2:1)
Thu, 12 February 2026, 20:00, KE KELIT ARENA
EK Die Zeller Eisbären scorers: Philip Putnik (20.), Tim Coffman (41./PP1), Paul Reiner (47.)
Red Bull Hockey Juniors scorers: Luca Auer (21.), Adrian Gesson (29.), Florian Lanzinger (58./PP1)

Final – second leg:

Red Bull Hockey Juniors vs. EK Die Zeller Eisbären
Sat, 14 February 2026, 19:15, Eisarena Salzburg

Format:

The two highest-ranked Austrian teams following the regular season of the Austrian Championship in the Alps Hockey League, for which the fixtures from the completed first home and away rounds (= the respective 1st home and 1st away match) were considered and counted, contest the final. The Champions Hockey League format will be used on 12 and 14 February, with the higher-ranked club beginning away from home. The aggregate score (points and goals) from the two completed matches will be used. Overtime and a penalty shoot-out may only take place in the second leg if the aggregate score is level. In that case, there will be a 10-minute sudden-death overtime played three-on-three. Should the overtime remain goalless, a shootout will follow, with five shooters per team.

View the full schedule for the Alps Hockey League in the Gamecenter

All information on the Alps Hockey League on the official website