A spark of hope for the play-offs of the ICE Hockey League flickers, the Steinbach Black Wings Linz gave after seven defeats en suite with the 4-3 win in Villach a sign of life, which is not really reflected in the table. The EHC is still last, as the teams in Pustertal (3: 2 in Bozen) and Dornbirn (5: 1 in Innsbruck), who ranked ahead of the Upper Austrians, also won. The point of orientation is located higher, however, the tenth place, which just barely entitles you to participate in the knockout phase, is currently held by the “eagles” from Znojmo.
The South Moravians are not only 13 points ahead of the Black Wings, they have also played two games less. It takes a brilliant race to catch up, for which the stressful Christmas holidays would be ideal. Starting with the home game against Graz on Sunday (5.30 p.m.), the Linzers have to play five matches until January 6th.
Umicevic lands in Sweden
With a portion of self-confidence in your stomach, you can start the marathon full of energy. “We played well in Villach and rebelled after the disappointments of the past few weeks,” emphasized Black Wings coach Raimo Summanen (59), who had a special praise for the often criticized Canadian single goalie Jared Coreau (30).
Another Linz player is not particularly popular with the Finnish head coach. Striker Marco Brucker (30) has not played with Summanen since his 5-1 home defeat against Bozen six days ago. A suspected injury does not justify the non-nomination in the two most recent matches. “I’m fit, I have no ailments. I’m just not in the squad right now, but I haven’t really received any explanations for that,” said Brucker when asked by OÖN.
Dragan Umicevic, the retired top scorer last season, breaks his tent in Linz. The 37-year-old is returning to the Swedish second division penultimate Södertälje SK, for whom he played as a youth.
Source: Nachrichten
