VEU Feld­kirch take on SC Hohenems in derby – ATSE Graz visit the Zeltweg Murtal Lions

VEU Feldkirch vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Wed., 01 November 2023, 19:30, Vorarlberghalle

The Ländle derby between VEU Feldkirch and SC Samina Hohenems had to be postponed twice due to technical problems at the Hohenems ice rink, but the first meeting of the season will now take place at the Vorarlberghalle on All Saints’ Day. 

These games were genuine highlights in the Ö Eishockey Liga last year: VEU even beat the favourites twice, but also suffered two defeats. Above all, the two games at Herrenried, each attended by well over 1.000 fans, attracted attention across Austrian ice hockey. The question of who will be HC Kufstein’s nearest challengers afterwards adds further spice to the first meeting.

Hohenems head coach Thomas Sticha returns to his former stomping ground for the derby. He reached the play-offs with VEU Feldkirch last season, meaning he knows the opposition well: “At VEU, we will face a team that has delivered very good performances in the games so far. They will be a completely different opponent on the ice from the one in Dornbirn on Sunday. It will not be easy, but we are aware of that. I think it will be an evenly matched game and our aim is to win this away derby.”

Dornbirner EC vs. HC Kufstein

Wed., 01 November 2023, 19:30, Messestadion

League newcomers Dornbirner EC host Division West leaders HC Kufstein. The Bulldogs recently had to acknowledge SC Samina Hohenems’ attacking power in the Vorarlberg derby, and now the Dragons, the next goal machine, come to the Messestadion.

Dornbirn, the youngest team in the Ö Eishockey Liga with an average squad age of 19, still need to adapt to the conditions of Austria’s third-highest division. The Tyroleans won the first meeting at the start of the season 7:2 away from home.

HC Kufstein head coach Ivo Novotny is demanding a disciplined performance from his players: “Even if the league table suggests otherwise, Dornbirn are a very awkward opponent. Their cooperation with Lustenau gives them the opportunity to bring in players from the AHL. It is always a bit of a lucky dip and you never know exactly what to expect. But if we do our homework and approach the game with discipline, we should be able to take points away from Dornbirn.”

SC Samina Hohenems vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl

Sat., 04 November 2023, 17:30, Eisstadion Hohenems

Following Wednesday's derby against VEU Feldkirch, SC Samina Hohenems will continue on Saturday with the long-awaited home opener against EHC Crocodiles Kundl. Technical problems at the Herrenriedstadion delayed the start of the home schedule, but the time has now come. In the first meeting, the Steinböcke won convincingly 10:3 at the Eisarena Kundl. However, the Crocodiles quickly found their stride afterwards, twice pushing HC Kufstein all the way in the district derby, and are on track with two wins against Dornbirn and VEU Feldkirch.

EHC Crocodiles Kundl chairman Gerhard Maier is aware of the Vorarlberg side's home strength: "We definitely want to put in a better showing than in the first meeting. Of course, getting anything from the game will be very difficult!"

Thomas Sticha, head coach of SC Hohenems, is looking forward to the home opener and knows that the Crocodiles will put in an improved performance: "We caught Kundl cold in the first away game, but every game starts at nil-nil. I think they have been warned and will start Saturday's game with more bite and not as carelessly. Everything is therefore set for the home opener, and I hope the spectators support the team in its first home game of the season."

Division East:

EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions vs. ATSE Graz

Sat, 04 November 2023, 19:00, Aichfeldhalle

The two home games played so far by the EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions against WEV and UHT Dukes Graz were genuine ice hockey spectacles. Now ATSE Graz come to the Aichfeldhalle, in a game that could set the direction for both teams: the winner of the clash between the team in third place – currently the Murtal Lions – and the team in fourth can look up the table and secure important points in the battle for a play-off spot. 

The Lions from the Murtal region, who head into the new week on a high after their 5:4 effort against the Dukes, have been warned: Graz have lost both of their home games so far, but showed their strength away from home in the 6:3 result in Gmunden.

Zeltweg Murtal Lions chairman Christian Mayerl knows how his team must approach the game against the Eggenberg side: "It will again be a tough task against ATSE, because Graz will certainly want to make amends for the WEV game. We need to focus on ourselves, take care of the basics and fight to bring the game our way. Being efficient in front of goal and uncompromising in our actions against the opposition does not suit a skilful team like Graz at all, and I think that was also the key to success for the Viennese!"

UHT Dukes Graz vs. Kapfenberger SV

Postponed due to numerous illness-related absences – new date to follow

The match UHT Dukes Graz against league leaders Kapfenberger SV has been postponed.

Ö Eishockey Liga – West Division:

Dornbirner EC vs. HC Kufstein

Wed, 01 November 2023, 19:30, Messestadion

VEU Feldkirch vs. SC Samina Hohenems

Wed, 01 November 2023, 19:30, Vorarlberghalle

SC Samina Hohenems vs. EHC Crocodiles Kundl
Sat, 04 November 2023, 17:30, Eisstadion Hohenems

Ö Eishockey Liga – East Division:

EV Zeltweg Murtal Lions vs. ATSE Graz

Sat, 04 November 2023, 19:00, Aichfeldhalle

UHT Dukes Graz vs. Kapfenberger SV

Postponed due to numerous illness-related absences – new date to follow

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