U15 national team loses to Slovenia after a hard-fought battle

Slovenia made the better start in the first period and took an early 1:0 lead. With two goals in 19 seconds in the 17th minute – the 2:0 came on the power play – the southern neighbours extended their lead to 3:0.

Austria had found their way into the game in the second period: Dominik Ferner converted a cross-ice pass while completely unmarked on an early power play to make it 1:3 (22.). Goaltender Gabriel Lemberger then kept his team in the game with several good saves. Silvio Taxacher scored to cut the deficit to 2:3 (33.).

A heated closing phase of the second period followed. After a solo effort, Phillip Breiml scored on the rebound to level the score at 3:3 for Austria (36.). The visitors took the lead again. But the team led by Head Coach Peter Schweda responded just 54 seconds later: Ilian Ressi sent the puck in to equalise at 4:4 (39.).

The final period became more emotional and increasingly exciting. Slovenia took a 4:3 lead with four minutes remaining. Austria then took risks and conceded two empty-net goals, resulting in the final score of 4:7.

Head Coach Peter Schweda: "Unfortunately, that was our worst game of the entire tournament. At times, we made it far too easy for Slovenia. I hope the players take something away from it."

U15 Men's Four Nations Tournament

09 - 11 February 2024, Ferlach

Austria vs. Slovenia 4:7 (0:3,4:1,0:3)
Sun, 11 February 2024, 13:00
Austria scorers: Dominik Ferner (22./PP1), Silvio Taxacher (33.), Phillip Breiml (36.), Ilian Ressi (39.)

Already played:

Italy vs. Austria 1:4 (0:0,0:3,1:1)
Sat, 10 February 2024, 16:00
Austria scorers: Lucas Gritznig (37.), Lucas Hartl (37., 58./SH1/EN), Niclas Micelli (39.)

Austria vs. Hungary 1:3 (0:1,0:1,1:1)
Fri, 09 February 2024, 16:00
Austria scorer: Lucas Hartl (49/PP1)