This weekend the Pioneers Vorarlberg have two away games waiting for them within less than 24 hours. Today we play in the federal capital against the Vienna Capitals, on Sunday afternoon the opponent is Graz.
Look at the opponent
Despite the Capitals’ home advantage and the generally better season record, at least the most recent direct duels speak in favor of the Pioneers. The team from the capital is currently in 10th place in the table with 13 points. With a win in the STEFFL Arena, the Vorarlbergers could shorten the gap and stay in touch.
The best scorer for the Viennese team is veteran and playmaker Linden Vey (1G, 9A), and the Caps are currently ranked sixth in the special teams category. The capital team recently parted ways with head coach Gerry Fleming, who had to vacate his position after one and a half years. The team will be looked after on an interim basis by the previous assistant coach Fabian Scholz until the international break.
“Of course it’s difficult, but we have to fight and keep believing in ourselves,” said Oskar Maier before the Caps game. “Playing in Vienna is always something special for me. If possible, we want to act like we did in the home game against the Capitals and then we’ll see what happens in the end,” the player with the number 46 continues.
High hurdle in Graz
The first duel against the Graz 99ers this season went narrowly to the Styrians; they won 3-2 after extra time in Feldkirch. Sunday’s game on the Mur will be an enormous physical and mental challenge for Macierzynski & Co. Not only do you face a top team in the league, the Nygard cracks also have to play this game as an exhausting back-to-back duel. While it is the PIV’s second match in less than 24 hours, the Graz team have a day’s break after their game on Friday in Linz.
The Styrians started the season very well with 21 points and have established themselves in the top group. They have one of the most stable defenses in the league and are extremely efficient in attack, and head coach Harry Lange’s team also has strong special teams.
“We are professionals enough”
Pioneers veteran Daniel Woger before the upcoming away double: “I think we are professional enough, it’s certainly a lot of work, but back-to-back games also ensure that you stay in the rhythm. We know that Graz have a good squad, but at the same time we are aware that with a good performance we can get something out of it too.”
Update on Nathan Burke – with positive news
Nathan Burke, who was unable to finish the game against Olimpija Ljbuljana on the ice, will not be making the trip. Fortunately, all of the 26-year-old’s health and fitness checks were positive, but Burke will still be rested this weekend.
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