The HCI has two home games in front of the chest this weekend. First of all, it will be against the current league leader on Friday.
The past weekend in Hungary was not successful for the sharks, with 0 points the Tyroleans had to go home. Points will be on the account again next weekend, even if the tasks are not easier. On Friday the current league leader, Olimpija Ljubljana, will come to the Tiwag Arena. “This is a really strong team that started the season. They strengthened well in summer, which will certainly be a tough nut,” says HCI striker Stefan Klassek, who was most recently able to look forward to the 4: 5 defeat in Fehérvár. It is particularly important to stay away from the penalty bench: “Your power play is already working very well, it means even more disciplined games. But that actually applies in every game,” says Klassek. HCI recovery Max Coatta arrived in Innsbruck this week. It is quite possible that the striker will open for the sharks on Friday.
The Slovenes are still unbeaten this young season. Against Vienna, the VSV and the Pioneers there was Kanter victories at home, in Graz the 99ers in the overtime. Ljubljana has big goals for this season, accordingly invested in the squad in summer. Neo-Coach Ben Cooper (formerly assistant coach near Salzburg) can fall back on the league-known TJ Brennan and Nicolai Meyer or the NHL-proven Zach Boychuk (most recently 5 seasons at the Eisbären Berlin). With Nate Halbert, a former shark also strengthens the defensive. The performance of the special teams from Ljubljana was impressive in the first games. With 14 power playing options, the Slovenes score 8 times (57.14 %), in penaltykilling their vest is still white. The scorer list also leads with Meyer (2G/8a) and Brennan (3G/9a) two Olimpija players.
After the game against Olimpija, the Vienna Capitals are guesting at Tiwag Arena 24 hours later.
HC Tiwag Innsbruck-Die Haie-Olimpija Ljubljana
Friday, 09/26/2025, 7:15 p.m. – Tiwag Arena
HC Tiwag Innsbruck-Die Haie-Vienna Capitals
Saturday, 09/27/2025, 5:30 p.m. – Tiwag Arena
hcinnsbruck.at, Image: HCI/Papa Productions
