In the penalty shootout: Linz U20 narrowly had to bow to Ujpest in the decider

Sport can be so bitter. Where the young Linz team had the upper hand in the finals 1 and 2, they gave their Hungarian opponents a tough fight (after two defeats in front of their own audience) and were evenly matched. It would have been in keeping with the dramaturgy of the Linz playoffs if they had won this game after they had also had the upper hand in the semi-final against Salzburg in the away decider. But not all stories have a happy ending.

• Read more: Linz U20 missed both match pucks and has to go into a playoff

While the Hungarians formed a violet-blue cheering cluster in the fog of Bengal fires, the Linzers leaned against the boards of the players’ bench in disbelief. It was only the penalty shootout that tipped the scales for the home team after a 3-3 draw during regular time. Barnabas Loczl put the Hungarians in front in the 12th minute, Luca Wimmer had the right answer ready in the first half (20./pp). After another power play goal from the defender (35th/pp), Ferenc Laskawy (40th/pp) equalized.

After another Hungarian lead goal by Marton Nadasy (49th/pp), Ben Grasser equalized the game in favor of the Upper Austrians (57th). Overtime didn’t help in making the decision; in the penalty shootout, Peter Simon was the only shooter to hit the net.

The Linz team had to go through one of the worst possible (sporting) experiences, but they earned respect for their playoff run. Whether they have already realized it or not – they have advertised for Linz’s young ice hockey players. Respect!