There are two tough away games waiting for the HCI this weekend. The sharks demand Vienna and Graz.
Today the Sharks are visiting the Vienna Capitals. The Viennese are just ahead of the Tyroleans in the table, who could draw level on points with a win. Defender Elias Stöffler expects a real fight: “Vienna always plays hard and physical, and also has a good forecheck. They have lost three times recently, so they will definitely come out of the locker room at full throttle. We have to fight back. But we have gained confidence from the last two victories.” As in every game, it will be important for the Haie not to have any snags in the game, said goalie Matt Vernon, who has been in top form in the last few weeks: “We can’t let off the gas, we have to stick with it for 60 minutes. Three points would actually have been possible against the Pioneers too.”
The Caps have had a mixed season so far and are in 11th place, one place ahead of the Sharks. Not enough for those in charge at the club, which is why head coach Gerry Flemming recently had to resign and the new boss of the gang is Kevin Constantine. The 66-year-old American is no stranger to the league. The coach with many years of NHL experience led Fehérvár to the final in the 2021/22 season. The Viennese hope to get back on the road to success with the coaching fox.
By the way, the Sharks still have some unfinished business with the Caps. The HCI has lost the last five direct duels, including the first meeting this season. The home game in the TIWAG Arena was lost 1:4.
On Sunday the task will not be any easier for the Sharks. They are playing in Graz with the 99ers. Lukas Bär will not be taking part in the two away games. He was suspended two games by the league for his stick strike in the game against the Pioneers.
Vienna Capitals – HC TIWAG Innsbruck-Die Haie
Saturday, November 15th, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – STEFFL Arena
Moser Medical Graz99ers – HC TIWAG Innsbruck-Die Haie
Sunday, November 16th, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – Merkur Ice Stadium
hcinnsbruck.at , Image: HCI/PAPA Productions
