Ice hockey: Salzburg conquers seventeen league titles
The feat of a “play-off sweep” had previously only been achieved by the Vienna Capitals in the 2016/17 season. In addition, the “Bulls” managed the perfect postseason with a minimum of twelve wins in the play-off. After the game, the Mozartstadters around head coach Matt McIlvane were allowed to lift the 18.25 kilogram Karl Nedwed Trophy for the first time since winning the title in 2016. Mike Dalhuisen (16′), captain Thomas Raffl (33′) and TJ Brennan (59′) had fired a long-range shot into an empty goal for Salzburg, while Fehervar’s Balint Magosi (8′) scored.
“Unbelievable, that was a very special squad this year,” said Raffl overjoyed to Puls 24: “I’m just proud of the whole squad and now it’s time to celebrate properly. It will be a six hour party bus back to Salzburg.”
Salzburg won the first three games of the final series 2-1 after extra time, 5-3 and 2-1. In the quarter-finals, Raffl and Co. remained flawless against Znaim, in the semi-finals the Vienna Capitals had no chance. The financially strong league king has thus successfully completed his title mission, only for the playoffs was the outstanding Brian Lebler, captain of the Black Wings Linz, committed. The only small drop of bitterness: Again, the championship celebration did not take place in front of a home crowd, for the sixth time in a row.
Fehevar dominates early stages
In a brisk early phase, the Hungarians dominated, driven on by 3,260 vociferous fans. The deafening atmosphere inspired the hosts, Magosi scored the well-deserved lead. Shortly thereafter, Magosi failed after a nice solo on the post (13′), before Salzburg used one of their few chances. Dalhuisen converted the pass into the center, Raffl held out his stick for a decisive one.
Salzburg got into the game better in the second half of the game, Fehervar had to pay a little tribute to the extremely high pace in the first period. Then luck was also on the side of the Austrian champions: Fehervar goalie Rasmus Tirronen deflected a shot from Raffl into his own goal. In addition, the Salzburg survived a short phase in a double deficit without conceding a goal.
Salzburg plays superiority
In the last section, Salzburg played out their superiority, Fehervar only got a few pinpricks. In these, he then distinguished himself as play-off MVP Salzburg goalie Atte Tolvanen with brilliant saves. The Hungarians’ final offensive was also unsuccessful.
Tolvanen said afterwards: “This is extremely great, unbelievable. We’ve worked hard all year. I knew when I came halfway through the season that this was a special team. The last time Salzburg won a title, they had a Finnish goalkeeper, so I said to them: get me.”
“The whole team was great”
“We had the vision of becoming younger, faster and more Austrian. The whole team was great all round too. They deserve it,” said Salzburg coach Matt McIlvane after the final, adding: “We are so grateful, so much work goes into it. It’s also about the people around you and everything that interests you together.”
Fehervar coach Kevin Constantine said despite the defeat: “I’m proud of my players, even if they lost. It was really fun being her coach. We dominated the first third. We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up, then we would have won.”
Win2day ICE Hockey League, finals
Monday:
Fehervar – Salzburg 1: 3
(1:1 0:1 0:1)
Szekesfehervar, 3,300 spectators
Magosi (8th) and Dalhuisen (16th), Raffl (33rd), Brennan (59th)
Penalty minutes: 4 or 6
Final score in the “Best of seven” series: 0:4