More than ten games have been played in the new ICE Hockey League season – making it the ideal time to take stock. The first few weeks have already offered everything that ice hockey fans love: plenty of goals, surprises, crises and sensations. Some teams significantly exceed expectations, others fall far short of their own expectations.
In order to better classify the achievements, we have created a small grading system:
Grade 1 stands for outstanding performances and positive surprises, Grade 2 for strong teams with an upward trend, Grade 3 for solid but not yet convincing teams, Grade 4 for disappointments and Grade 5 for teams in crisis. In the first part we start with grades 1 and 2.
Grade 1 – The high flyers and positive surprises
Olimpija Ljubljana – The best offensive in the league is laughing from first place
The dragons from Laibach are the big topic of conversation of the ICEHL season so far. Already in the summer they had specifically strengthened themselves and with well-known names. Experienced cracks with international stature came with players like TJ Brennan, Zach Boychuk and Nicolai Meyer, as well as Slovenian national players like Robert Sabolic and Lukas Horak. The Slovenians were already considered a possible “dark horse” in the offseason – but the fact that they got off to such a brilliant start came as a surprise.
With 62 goals in just 12 games, Olimpija has by far the best offense in the entire league. That’s 19 goals more than the second best team, VSV. With 25 points, the Slovenians confidently lead the table and impressively show that they are a serious contender for the top spots this season.
HC Pustertal – Two Americans enchant the Wolves
HC Pustertal also got off to an excellent start in the new season. With 24 points from 11 games, the South Tyroleans are in second place in the table and are impressive both offensively and defensively. Above all, the defensive work is a real showpiece: with the second-best defense in the league and goalkeeper Eddie Pasquale, who shines with a catch rate of 92.4 percent and an average goals conceded of just 1.89 goals per game, the Wolves have real support between the posts.
Two Americans lead the pack on offense: Henry Bowlby (10 goals, 5 assists) and Cole Bardreau (8 goals, 11 assists) are responsible for almost half of the goals scored. She scored 18 of the total 38 goals. It is remarkable that the HCP scores so well even though top performers such as JC Lipon, Jonathon Blum and Mikael Frycklund (who is still without a goal) fell short of expectations. If these players fulfill their potential, Pustertal can be at the top.
HC Bozen – Like every year, a title candidate
HC Bozen remains true to its line: solid, efficient and always dangerous. With 21 points from 10 games, the Foxes are in third place and confirm their role as a permanent candidate for the top places.
On offense, the new additions Cole Schneider, Brett Pollock and Shane Gersich made an immediate impact and gave the team additional depth. The defense is stable as usual – only 21 goals conceded after ten games speak for themselves. Bolzano has the best defense in the league, which is also due to the outstanding goalie Sam Harvey. The Canadian is already one of the best goalkeepers in the ICEHL. Bozen is a well-rehearsed team that knows exactly what it wants: to play for the title again.
Ferencvaros Budapest – The league newcomer surprises everyone
What a debut! Ferencvaros Budapest came into the league with the modest goal of getting ten wins in their debut season. After twelve games, the Hungarians have already won five of them, even though they narrowly missed out on success in some games. Most recently they narrowly missed their fourth win in a row at VSV.
The team is led by Brady Shaw, a former league MVP, who impressively confirms his class. In addition, experienced players such as Jesper Lindgren, Bence Balizs and Istvan Sofron shine, who provide stability together with young Hungarian talents. And all this despite the fact that an important man, Topi Rönni, one of the most promising newcomers, is missing due to injury. Budapest is uncomfortable, strong and courageous – and is likely to cause a few surprises this season.
Grade 2 – Teams with upward form curve
EC-KAC – The hottest team in the league
After a weak start to the season, the EC-KAC has found its form. The Red Jackets from Klagenfurt recently celebrated five wins in a row, making them the currently strongest team in the league. With 19 points they are “only” seventh, but they have played two fewer games than some competitors and are only three points behind second place.
Defensively, the KAC is strong: only 24 goals conceded means the third best value in the league. There is still room for improvement offensively, but with Nick Petersen (14 points), Mathias From and Jan Mursak, the Carinthians have reliable top performers. Simeon Schwinger is also in top form (7 points in 10 games). The double burden with the Champions Hockey League is a thing of the past – now the full focus is on the ICEHL and the KAC seems to be getting rolling in time.
Graz99ers – Ups and downs in Styria
The Graz99ers are the prime example of inconsistency. They are currently in fourth place, but so far have not been able to sustainably reinforce their role as favorites. Two victories in a row – more was not possible so far, because every small high was followed by a setback. The defeat against the bottom team at the time, Innsbruck, was particularly bitter.
Nevertheless, Graz scores solidly. There were three defeats in the last six games, but at least there were still points. Defender Nick Bailen, who leads the internal scorers list with 12 points, is outstanding. New additions like Nick Swaney and ex-Villach player Chris Collins fit in just as well as the proven scorers Kevin Roy and Marcus Vela. If the 99ers manage to become more consistent, they can become real favorites for the regular season victory.
Part 2 follows…
Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
