The HCI meets VSV today at the start of the away double. The game in Ljubljana awaits on Sunday.
The HCI has two difficult away games ahead of it this weekend. Today the Haie are in Villach, on Sunday they will be visiting the strong Laibachers. Goalie Markus Gratzer is in the Haie squad. Gratzer was brought from Kitzbühel at short notice as a replacement for Jakob Brandner, who was ill.
Coatta against former team
The Haie have boosted their self-confidence with the win against Graz and are heading into the games optimistically. “The training week was great, and of course the mood after the game against the 99ers too. Now we have to improve,” says striker Jonas Dobnig, who is looking forward to the game in his hometown: “Many friends and relatives will be there, that’s always something special.” For Max Coatta it is the first game against his former colleagues, as he still wore the eagle on his jersey last season. “It will be nice to see a few colleagues again, but that’s it. We definitely want to survive in Villach and take something away from there. It will be a hot game, Villach is a very loud hall, we have to face that. If we manage to do well defensively and implement our game plan, I’m confident,” said the American.
Also an ex-Shark in Villach
At VSV, a lot of things stayed the same over the summer. Head coach Tray Tuomie started the season with most of last year’s team, only a few points were upgraded. For example, ex-shark Adam Helewka is wearing the colors of the VSV this year. After eight games, the Adler are in fifth place in the table, with four wins (including an away win in Graz) and just as many defeats. Like most teams, Villach is still in the discovery phase. Penalty killing in particular hasn’t worked as expected so far. Statistically, the Eagles were outnumbered in every second game.
On Sunday the Sharks will be welcomed by Olimpija in Ljubljana. The Tyroleans hope to be able to take revenge for the bitter 3:9 defeat three weeks ago.
EC iDM heat pumps VSV – HC TIWAG Innsbruck-Die Haie
Saturday, October 11th, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – Villach town hall
Olimpija Ljubljana – HC TIWAG Innsbruck-Die Haie
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – Hala Tivoli
www.hcinnsbruck.at, Image: Soós Attila
