This Sunday is the first competitive game on its own ice cream, the Pioneers Vorarlberg welcomes HC Tiwag Innsbruck to the West derby in front of the domestic fans. After the opening loss in Linz, the first points are to be retracted against the Tyroleans.
Old acquaintance in the sharks
In the pre-season, the two teams met twice, “the sharks” each left the ice as the winner. The balance sheet after four duels in the pre -season was balanced, as well as the “neighbors” from Tyrol, the Vorarlbergs were able to prevail twice. After an overall disappointing previous year, there was a great upheaval in the Innsbrucker squad. One of many newcomers is an old acquaintance in Feldkirch, because ex-MVP Steven Owre has signed a contract for two seasons in the Tyrolean capital. With Matt Wilkins, a new import player is injured for a long time, and the Swede Sebastian Benker was hired as a replacement. Ryan Kinasewich now acts as the new main responsible in the gang, the 42 -year -old previously worked at the Utah Grizzlies in Echl and can show European experience in Zagreb due to his time.
Full motivation for the first home game
As is well known, there was a change in the Pioneers Vorarlberg in the off-season as far as the squad is concerned. With Johannes Nygard, a new head coach was also installed that changed the game system a little. The chemistry was already recognizable in preparation, as was the slightly higher speed that is to be used.
At the start, the Nygard cracks in Linz could not score, but it should work in the first home game of the still young season. In the 2: 5 in the steel city, the Vorarlbergs fell behind, the rearing up with two goals (Metzler and Maier) in the third third brought no turn. It will be decided at short notice whether Daniel Woger can be there again at the home start.
Since the Tyroleans also lost their opening game (1: 8 against Pustertal), two hungry teams will certainly meet, who will throw everything into the balance for the first points.
Pioneers Vorarlberg-HC Tiwag Innsbruck-Die Haie
Sunday, September 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m., Vorarlberghalle Feldkirch
www.pioneers.hockey, Image: HCI/Papa Productions
