With the HK Nitra, one of the top favorites from the Slovak Extraliga in Linz will be guest on Friday. From 6:30 p.m., the Stahlstädter will play the third of a total of six test games before the league start.
The Steinbach Black Wings Linz welcomes another top team on the lower Danube region on Friday. The HK Nitra, reigning runner-up of the Slovak Extraliga, is already well known to the Stahlstädters from the past pre-season. At that time, the Linzer were able to prevail 5: 3 in Nitra.
The HK Nitra was also one of the best teams in the Slovak Extraliga in the 2024/25 season. Third place ended with strong 97 points in third place. In the playoffs they fought their way to the final, where they met HC Košice. In a gripping Best-of-Seven series, the decision was made only in the all-important game 7-which Košice won in extra time and thus secured the championship title.
The demands in Nitra are again high for the coming season. In order to increase the chances of the title, the Corgoňi strengthened with some well -known transfers. The Canadian Elias Carmichael, equipped with a Slovak passport, dares to jump to Europe for the first time after his college period and is intended to stabilize the defensive. In addition, Nitra with Zach Osburn was able to hire an experienced defense lawyer who was last under contract with the Iserlohn Roosters in the DEL and has already gained in several top European experience.
Just like the Steinbach Black Wings, the HK Nitra has played two preparatory games so far. Against Budapešť Jégkorong, the Slovaks celebrated a clear 5-0 victory at the start before they were also able to conquer the Ferencvárosi TC Liganeuling 4-2.
Lockroom update
The team of Head Coach Philipp Lukas also made visible progress in the second construction fact. Brian Lebler and Co. showed high speed and kept the playfully and physically strong Czechs from Liberec well in check. After the first units, the power play also presented itself much more determined than against Kassel. The beneficiary was again Emil Romig, who was allowed to cheer for a goal after almost a year of break in the second game in a row. With 37 shots on his goal, Rasmus Tirrons also returned with a strong appearance at the highest level. However, the Finn receives a break against Nitra – Thomas Höneckl will lead the Stahlstadt residents.
Despite the largely positive knowledge from the first home match, the return to Linz AG Eisarena last Tuesday was not entirely without traces: Patrick Söllinger had to end the duel prematurely after a painful blow in the lower body area. The all -clear could be given in more precise examinations, but the defender has to spare himself over the weekend and will not be in the contingent against Nitra. In addition, the sporting leadership will rely on some rotations in the line-up again in the third of a total of six test games before the league start.
Head Coach Philipp Lukas: “We were also very satisfied with the game against Liberec, because our team has increased significantly in the execution. Compared to the first week of training, we see a clear increase. With Nitra, another top team comes to us, which we already know from the previous year and that was part of the absolute top in Slovakia last season. We therefore want to improve the little things from Tuesday again and look forward to Challenge.”
Steinbach Black Wings Linz – HK Nitra (SVK)
Friday August 22, 6:30 p.m., Linz AG Eisarena
www.blackwings.at, Image: BwL / Eisenbauer
