In the first game of the new year, on January 1, 2026, EC Red Bull Salzburg in the win2day ICE Hockey League will welcome the Steinbach Black Wings Linz for the New Year’s game in the Eisarena Salzburg (4:30 p.m., live stream).
It is the fourth and final derby with the Upper Austrians in the current regular season. The Salzburg team prevailed twice, once Linz had the longer stamina.
Initial situation
When Salzburg and Linz meet on New Year’s Day, both will go into the game with the wind at their backs. The Red Bulls won 4-0 in Innsbruck yesterday and extended their now impressive winning streak to eight games. The Linzers recently won two home games against Innsbruck and yesterday against Székesfehérvár – 7-0 (!) – and thus ended a short dry spell of four defeats.
And both want more. The Red Bulls, fifth again since yesterday, want to move up and secure their playoff spot. There are only three points between third (Ljubljana) and sixth (Pustertal), so every point is extremely important. The Black Wings also want to secure their pre-playoff place and are currently in 8th place. Even in the table area from 7th to 11th place, the teams are only separated by three points. With a win, Linz could take a good step forward.
As usual, the Red Bulls are preparing for a hot game against the Upper Austrians. It was only shortly before Christmas that they narrowly won 3-2 in Linz, but regardless of the table situation, they were up against Linzers who were absolutely equal and who seemed to have warmed up against Székesfehérvár yesterday.
New Year’s games a good omen for Salzburg
It’s been three years since the Red Bulls were able to welcome in the New Year together with their fans in a home game. On January 1, 2023, they won 3-1 at home against Villach. In the last two years, Salzburg also got off to a good start with victories in Graz (2024) and Linz (2025). In principle, the New Year’s atmosphere should suit the Red Bulls, as they have welcomed the New Year as winners seven times in the last ten years. Linz was also played at home once after New Year’s Eve; on January 1, 2011, the Red Bulls won 4-2.
Dear fans, the Red Bulls wish you a happy new year and a happy new year. Thank you for your strong support in the past year 2025. We look forward to being able to celebrate ice hockey festivals with you in Salzburg in the future.
Manny Viveiro’s statement
“If you don’t put your best performance on the ice, you can lose in every game. We know Linz’s strengths and know that they have high-quality players who can’t be given space. We want to continue to work defensively like we did in the last few games and thus give ourselves a good chance of beating Linz again.”
Season duel Red Bulls vs. Steinbach Black Wings Linz | 2:1
10/5/25 | Steinbach Black Wings Linz – EC Red Bull Salzburg 3:2 (0:1, 1:0, 1:1) OT
11/21/25 | EC Red Bull Salzburg – Steinbach Black Wings Linz 4:0 (2:0, 1:0, 1:0)
12/19/25 | Steinbach Black Wings Linz – EC Red Bull Salzburg 2:3 (0:0, 1:1, 1:2)
Eternal record Red Bulls vs. Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Since 2004: 139 games | 81 wins RBS | 58 wins in business administration
Last ten games: SSSSNSSNSS
Last ten home games: NSSSSSSSSS
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg – Steinbach Black Wings Linz
Thu, 01/01/2026 | Salzburg Ice Arena, 4:30 p.m
ecrbs.redbulls.com , Image: EC Red Bull Salzburg
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