In the first home game after the international break, the Pioneers Vorarlberg face the Steinbach Black Wings Linz.
The Upper Austrians fell short of expectations at the start of the season and are currently in tenth place in the table. In order to shorten the gap to this last pre-play-off place as much as possible, a point win against Lebler & Co would be immensely important for the Pioneers. Recently, the Black Wings’ form curve has shown a steep upward trend. Before the international break, they had a winning streak of five games in a row before it was stopped by Wednesday’s defeat against KAC.
Second meeting in the current season
If the Feldkirchen team wants to score their first points against the Upper Austrians in the second duel of the season, they need a solid and consistent performance over the entire season. Phases of weakness like the one in the game in Innsbruck must be avoided at all costs, as they will inevitably be punished. Above all, a strong defense is needed against the Linzers, because the Stahlstadters’ ranks include top-class strikers like Lebler, Knott, St-Amant and Barron. At the same time, the Pioneers’ strikers also have to work as effectively as possible in front of the opponent’s goal.
Next defensive support injured
Unfortunately there is bad news again from the defensive department. Roni Allén suffered a lower body injury in the game against Innsbruck and will be out for several weeks. With Ivan Korecky not yet available for action, head coach Johannes Nygard is missing two regular defenders for the game against Linz.
Pioneers Vorarlberg – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m., Feldkirch, Vorarlberghalle
www.pioneers.hockey, Image: Dorner_pioneers.hockey
