Title defended

Buoyed by Thursday's 4:3 victory, Red Bull Hockey Juniors were able to play with greater freedom in the second leg of the Austrian Alps Hockey League final. EHC Lustenau needed a similar win to force at least overtime.

However, the Salzburg side made an impressive start and had their opponents under control. Samuel Witting gave the hosts a deserved lead at the 12-minute mark, which they did not relinquish. Nicolas Appendino moved the Juniors another step closer to the trophy (22-minute mark). A goal on a five-on-three power play by Chris D’Alvise gave the Vorarlberg side renewed hope (24-minute mark).

Aljaz Predan restored the previous margin (31-minute mark), while two power-play goals from Paul Huber (38-minute mark) and Witting (56-minute mark) sealed the win for the Salzburg side, who had also put Lustenau in their place in last year's final. "We achieved our first objective and played a superb game. We did not let ourselves be unsettled and ultimately defended the title well and won it deservedly," said captain Marcel Zitz.

Format
The Champions Hockey League regulations apply. The aggregate score from the two matches played is used. Overtime and a penalty shootout can therefore only take place in the second leg if the aggregate score is level. In this case, following a three-minute break, a ten-minute overtime period (three-on-three) is played. Should it end goalless, a shootout follows with five shooters per side.