“It’s nice to see that the effort is worth it. It shows what can be achieved with team spirit.” The scenery in the Linz AG Eisarena, where 3648 fans watched the 2:5 (0:1, 1:1, 1:3) defeat of the Steinbach Black Wings against experienced the reigning ice hockey champion Salzburg up close, club president Peter Nader put a smile on his face. No wonder, since it was the biggest crowd since the play-off quarter-finals on March 6, 2020 (4865 fans against KAC) and after two bleak years – marked by structural and sporting turbulence.
“Linzer, Linzer, Linzer” chants made the rounds even after the less than edifying final siren; even before the opening bully, queues had formed in front of the cash desks and entrance areas. “All seats are sold out, the VIP area is full. Our team really deserves that,” said Nader and praised the coaching team around head coach Philipp Lukas and also chief scout Rick Nasheim about the green clover.
Their handwriting is unmistakable, with ten wins from the first 16 matches of the season, the Black Wings are currently sailing consistently on the play-off course. Yesterday’s damper doesn’t change that. The “Red Bulls” had to work hard to maintain their white away record. In the end, the victory was absolutely deserved, even if the match was on the razor’s edge for a long time.
The EHC gave Salzburg an intense fight garnished with emotions, high speed and one or the other scuffle. It was a real top game. The people of Mozart got off to a dream start with Peter Hochkofler after just 113 seconds – 0:1 (2nd). Linz was unimpressed by this, Andreas Kristler made the acclaimed 1:1 (31st) in the power play, but the pendulum should swing in favor of the guests.
The initial spark was Chay Genoways 1: 2 (38th). Events came to a head in the finish, four goals were scored within 5:14 minutes, including that of Ramon Schnetzer to make it 2:4 (59th). It was too late then.
Kragl threatens to be out longer
On Sunday (4.30 p.m., live ticker on nachrichten.at) in Graz, the Black Wings will mobilize all their strength again, after which there will be an eleven-day international break in which transfer options will be explored. “We’ll get another defender,” announced Nader. Probably also because assistant captain Gerd Kragl threatens to be out longer due to a knee injury.
The trio of Alexander Lahoda, Dennis Sticha and Daine Todd should be ready for action again on November 18 against Fehervar.
Source: Nachrichten
