The “eagles” delivered a gripping exchange of blows to the German first division club Grizzlys Wolfsburg, but had to give up 5: 4 after a strong chase in the final third. Especially in the last third, VSV showed morality and almost fought back into the game – in the end there was only one goal to equalize. “Altmeister” John Hughes shone with a double pack, and defender Steven Strong also scored his first goal in Blau-Weiß.
1. third
The guests from Wolfsburg started the game in the Heidi-Horten-Arena with a lot of pressure and set the VSV, which started with Cannata between the posts, deep into its zone in the first few minutes. The “eagles” needed something to free themselves, but became braver and concentrated in the course of the third and in turn came to some good chances. A violent shot from Vallant was too central, and Lindner also missed the goal from a distance. In the 8th minute it was finally Tyler Gaudet, who had the North German cheering: with a lot of overview, he used a pass from the high slot and set 1-0. Wolfsburg subsequently had other options, but VSV goalie Joe Cannata showed several strong saves and secured the narrow lead into the first break.
2. third
Blue and white came out of the cabin unconcentrated, made too many disc losses and had a lot of trouble to prevent the quick combination game of the Wolfsburg. So the guests always came dangerously in front of the Villacher Tor – goalie Cannata had to intervene several times in the greatest need, but was able to defuse the attacks for the time being. Despite an interim pressure phase of the “eagles”, the team of head coach Mike Stewart hit ice cold: Ryan Lynch scored 2-0 for the Wolfsburg in the 25th minute. Just a minute later, Jeremiah Feser added. Villach was visibly shocked and took some time to relax, but found back into play through Strong in minute 32. After wonderful preparatory work by Johannes Tschurnig and Paul Sintschnig, the Austro-Canadian promoted the play equipment from the slot to the far corner-Hannibal Weitzmann in the box of Wolfsburg without a chance. With the 3-1 lead for the Grizzlys, we finally went into the last third.
3. third
From a blue and white perspective, the final section definitely had it all. At first Chrobot restored the old three-goal lead in minute 42, but the “eagles” replied with all their routine and the Villacher fighting spirit: In play minute 50, John Hughes got the 4: 2 connection goal with a shot under the crossbar before ProW (51.) got the fifth goal for the guests. In the 55th minute, Hutchison still managed to go 5: 3 by “deflection” before Hughes (57th) from half -right again
