With the greed of a front runner

When chants of “Do them all, shoot them out of the hall” are already booming through the Linz AG ice arena in the 19th minute, that’s not exactly the best signal for a visiting ice hockey club. The Steinbach Black Wings sent the Pioneers Vorarlberg home with a tough 7:2 (3:0, 1:2, 3:0). This meant that the sixth home success was in the clear. Much to the delight of the 2,850 fans who were presented with sporting fireworks from the greedy league leaders.

After an anxious moment, mind you. During the starting phase, a puck strayed into the stands and hurt an unfortunate visitor. The first aiders were there immediately – including Black Wings spokesman Michael Geltner, who provided the patient with water. Shortly afterwards we continued – in one-way street fashion.

Happy Birthday, Stefan Gaffal!

The EHC showed off its dominance, let the target and opponents run and shined with one or two delicacies on the 27th birthday of Stefan Gaffal, who is on the mend after being shot in the neck and has resumed ice training.

For example, Martin Stajnoch’s goal to make it 2-0 (14th), which was preceded by a brilliant hook and dream pass from Shawn St-Amant. Or in the 3-0 (18th) by Andreas Kristler, who benefited from an exemplary backhand pass from captain Brian Lebler. That’s worthy of a league leader.

It goes without saying that the Upper Austrians, who rehabilitated themselves for the 1:4 defeat in Ländle (in September), want to defend their place in the sun for as long as possible. “That spurs us on,” says defender Gerd Kragl.

Of course, there is always something to improve. The second third (once again) involved a shot across the bow. The Pioneers came within 2:3 (35′), only the bar separated them from the equalizer (36′). That was a wake-up call for the Linzers, Logan Roe stopped Vorarlberg’s comeback before the break with 4:2 (39th). Top scorer Graham Knott scored his 16th goal of the season, 5-2 (44th). Understood.

A number of cracks – including double goalscorer Julian Pusnik (8th, 55th/pp) and Sean Collins, who scored the final point (7:2/54th/pp) – wore the neck and neck protection that the league requires for the first time after the tragic accidental death of England legionnaire Adam Johnson.

At the Sunday (4 p.m., live ticker on nachrichten.at) The Black Wings are playing in Szekesfehervar. So with the third-placed Red Devils, who surprisingly lost to bottom club Graz 4:6.