Win2day AWHL Final-4: Sabres and High­landers reach final

Numerous fans and high-ranking representatives from politics and sport did not miss the start of the win2day Austrian AWHL Final-4 presented by Kronen Zeitung. Among the approximately 300 spectators were Upper Austria Governor Thomas Stelzer and Linz Deputy Mayor Martin Hajart, who watched the thrilling games – and were rewarded with ice hockey of the highest standard.

In the first semi-final, the KSV Highlanders made their mark early on. Hilde Carolien Huisman gave the Styrians the lead after just two minutes and also set up Sara Confidenti's goal for 2:0 (21.). However, the Lakers Kärnten did not give up and fought back through Hardy with two goals in quick succession (31. on the power play, 33.). In the final period, though, the Highlanders showed their class and pulled decisively clear: Katerina Nogova scored for 3:2 (44.), Huisman made it 4:2 (51.), before Veronika Hujova put the finishing touch on the 5:2 result in the 53. minute. The Highlanders had 35 shots on goal overall, compared with 24 for the Lakers. Both teams delivered a disciplined performance, with just ten penalty minutes in total. Viktorie Horinkova impressed in the Highlanders' net with 22 saves, while Anja Adamitsch made 30 saves for the Lakers. The Highlanders therefore deservedly advance to the final, while the Lakers will play for third place.

In the second semi-final, Sabres St. Pölten celebrated a convincing 4:1 win over the EC Graz99ers Huskies. The Sabres, who had narrowly lost the European Hockey League final in overtime just a week earlier, started strongly and took an early lead through Emma McKnight (5.). Although Simona Grascher equalised with a fine breakaway in the 15. minute, the Sabres restored their lead to 2:1 through Kinga Jokai-Szilagy just before the first intermission (20.). The Graz side did not recover from that. McKnight added her second goal immediately after the restart (21.), before Charlotte Wittich scored the final 4:1 in the final period. Shelby Bailen (EC Graz99ers Huskies) and Antonia Matzka (Sabres St. Pölten) were named the best players. The awards were presented by Governor Thomas Stelzer and Elisabeth Altmann, Sports Sponsoring Manager at win2day.

Para Hockey Day ushers in final day

Ahead of the big final day of the inaugural win2day AWHL season, Para athletes will showcase sledge hockey, ice hockey played on specially designed sledges, at the Linz AG Eisarena on Saturday. Those interested will have the opportunity to try this extraordinary sport for themselves.

The Lakers Kärnten and the EC Graz99ers Huskies will then play for bronze from 14:00. The highlight follows at 17:00, when the KSV Highlanders and Sabres St. Pölten face each other in the grand final. Both games on finals day will be broadcast live on ORF Sport+.