The hard-fought 2-1 win against VSV gave the Haien self-confidence, and the Tyroleans finally rewarded themselves with points for a strong performance. “The curve is pointing upwards, we have improved especially defensively. There is also a little more going forward,” says Sebastian Benker. The Swede also has a simple recipe for success for tomorrow’s game against Linz: “It may sound trite, but it’s simply about defending well first and foremost. Only then do you have a chance of winning matches in this league.” One person in the Sharks camp is particularly looking forward to the duel with the Black Wings Ex-Linzer Kilian Rappold: “That’s certainly special, I’m really looking forward to it. But first and foremost it’s about us playing a good game, just playing and putting the disc on goal.”
With the Steinbach Black Wings Linz A team is coming to the TIWAG Arena that has also recently boosted its self-confidence. Last weekend, the Upper Austrians celebrated a 3-2/OT win against Graz, and two days later shot Fehérvár out of the hall 7-1. The Hungarians got off to a terrible start. Five of Linz’s first seven shots went into the goal. Nevertheless, the Black Wings seem to have recovered after a mixed start to the season. They are currently one place and one point behind the Haie in 12th place in the table, but have played one fewer game. Remarkable: The Black Wings got all of their ten points at home, but they still have zero away from home. For the Sharks it is once again important to stay away from the penalty box. Linz’s power play works well. League-wide, they are ranked 3rd in the statistics. Tomorrow’s game is extremely important for both teams in order not to lose touch with the top 10.
The meeting with Linz is the start of an intensive week for the HCI. Before the international break, the away games at KAC (Friday) and in Laibach (Saturday) are on the program. The league then has a ten-day break.
HC TIWAG Innsbruck-Die Haie – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, 7:15 p.m. – TIWAG Arena
hcinnsbruck.at , Image: HCI/PAPA Productions
