EC Red Bull Salzburg ends the week in the win2day ICE Hockey League after a game-free Friday on Sunday with the away game against HC TIWAG Innsbruck “Die Haie” and is preparing for the next difficult task.
Even though the Tyroleans are currently in second-to-last place in the table, they are always good for surprises, especially in their own hall, and can make life difficult for any opponent. The Red Bulls want to counter Innsbruck’s counterattack with a compact defense, use it to create a good offense and, if possible, take three points from Innsbruck.
Initial situation
This Friday, the Red Bulls have no games and therefore have the opportunity to recover a little and to prepare as best as possible for Sunday’s away game against Innsbruck. Head coach Manny Viveiros noticed some fatigue among his men after the 2:5 defeat against Graz last Wednesday after seven games in 15 days, without denying the Styrians their good game. Salzburg want to attack again with fresh legs against the Tyroleans; The goal is still to return to the top 6 group and to do this, Salzburg now needs every point.
The opponent
On paper, Innsbruck, second to last in the table – the Red Bulls are in 7th place – is the underdog. However, Salzburg pays no attention to this and instead approaches the encounter with great concentration, as the Tyroleans have regularly turned out to be frightening favorites both in the past and this season. League leaders Ljubljana have already had this experience twice (!) this year and it was only on Wednesday that Klagenfurt also fell 6-9 in Innsbruck.
Offensive at eye level
With 53 goals conceded, the Red Bulls are one of the strongest defensive teams in the league, only Graz has the best wall with just 51 goals conceded. In attack, Innsbruck with 60 goals scored (9th) and Salzburg with 62 goals (8th) are almost equal. A big part of this for the Tyroleans is Steven Owre, who is not only Innsbruck’s top goalscorer with 13 goals, but also, together with TJ Brennan, the second best goalscorer in the ICE Hockey League after Nicolai Meyer (15 goals).
Philipp Wimmer could come back
There are signs of relief in the Red Bulls squad. Philipp Wimmer has recovered from his long-term injury and could make his comeback in Innsbruck on Sunday. It would be the first league game this season for the defender, who played his last game on August 31st at home against Bremerhaven in the CHL. Ali Wukovits, Lukas Schreier and Peter Hochkofler continue to work on their comeback.
Statement Mario Huber
“In the defeat against the Graz99ers, a lot came from us that played into the hands of the Grazers. On Sunday in Innsbruck we have to give the opponent the greatest respect by giving our best. The Innsbruck team do the same. If we are 100% ready, we will give ourselves the best chance of playing a good game in Innsbruck.”
Image: BWL / Draxler
