New signing Brandon Coe was finally able to celebrate his debut for EC Red Bull Salzburg. The Canadian’s missing visa arrived on Tuesday, so nothing stood in the way of his first appearance in the Champions Hockey League with the Odense Bulldogs.
But there was no return to the usual formation – quite the opposite: head coach Manny Viveiros took the opportunity to shake up his lines again.
“It was clear that something had to happen up front when Coe was ready to play,” Bulls manager Helmut Schlögl told the “Crown newspaper“. What was surprising, however, was that even captain Thomas Raffl had to vacate his usual place in the first line. The long-standing club figurehead suddenly found himself in the third row – together with Florian Baltram and Mario Huber.
Raffl took the decision professionally, although visibly disappointed: “I’ll do anything to help the team,” said the 37-year-old after the 2-1 defeat in Denmark. However, Viveiros’ tactical trick didn’t work – Salzburg showed unusual coordination weaknesses and received several unnecessary penalties.
It remains to be seen whether Viveiros will change his lines again for the upcoming home game against the Vienna Capitals on Friday. One thing is certain: With Coe’s debut, a new competition for places in the top ranks begins for the Eisbullen.
Image: EC Red Bull Salzburg
