EC Red Bull Salzburg continues the basic round of the win2day ICE Hockey League on Wednesday with the home game against the Moser Medical Graz99ers (7:15 p.m., Ladies Night, Sporteurope.tv).
It is only the second meeting with the Styrians this season, who won the first duel with Salzburg eleven days ago in Graz.
Initial situation
Seventh in the table against fourth in the table – that is the current game between the Red Bulls and the Graz99ers. However, there are only five points between the two teams, which reflects how tight things are in the top half of the table.
The Red Bulls want to take revenge on Graz for their first defeat and are currently on the rise. Including the CHL game against Ingolstadt, head coach Manny Viveiros’ team has won the last four games and has thus stabilized itself again. In the last game on Sunday in Klagenfurt, the Red Bulls also showed their fighting qualities when they twice overcame a two-goal deficit and ultimately won in overtime.
The Styrians are also having a good run at the moment. In the last six rounds they had to admit defeat only once – last Friday in Székesfehérvár with 1:2. On Sunday they once again demonstrated their current strong performance and sent HCB Südtirol Alperia home with a 6-3 win.
Graz with a new coach
Last week the Graz99ers introduced their new head coach, Daniel Lacroix. The 56-year-old Canadian replaces Sports Director Philipp Pinter, who has been in charge of the team on an interim basis in the coaching bench in the last few days following the separation from Harry Lange. Lacroix was supposed to make his ICE Hockey League debut with the Graz team in Salzburg. For defender Paul Stapelfeldt, however, it is the first return to his old home after the 27-year-old from Salzburg grew up with the Red Bulls and only moved to Graz in the summer.
Statement by Lucas Thaler
“The last victories in a row have been good for us, we feel really good again. But Graz have a broad squad and are good at the back. Defense will also be important for us. If it comes down to a close game, we have to make sure that we minimize their chances. We’re looking forward to a full hall and the support of the fans and we want to win this time.”
Eternal record Red Bulls vs. Moser Medical Graz99ers
Since 2004: 112 games | 77 wins RBS | 35 wins G99
Last ten games: NSSSSSSSNN
Last ten home games: SSSNSNSSSN
ecrbs.redbulls.com , Image: EC Red Bull Salzburg
