EC Red Bull Salzburg and VSV challenged against Scandinavians in the Champions Hockey League
Both teams failed the dress rehearsals in friendlies. The Carinthian documents Stavanger 2:5, for the not top-occupied Salzburg it was 2:7 against Augsburg.
Salzburg’s other CHL group opponents are Freiburg-Götter from Switzerland and CHL newcomer Ilves Tampere. They meet the Finns in their second home game on Saturday. “Our goal in the Champions Hockey League is simple: we focus from game to game. But our big goal is always the same: We want to win,” emphasizes Salzburg coach Matt McIlvane. In the previous season, his team failed in the round of 16 at the French club Rouen. The Bulls’ top result was the 2018/19 semifinals.
VSV with first CHL participation in eight years
The VSV also missed out on their first CHL participation since 2014/15 with the Straubing Tigers from Germany and the Continental Cup winner Krakow. The first duel with the Poles will be away on Sunday. VSV coach Rob Daum is aware of the tough competition. “All teams are strong and every game is intense. Of course, our team will be successful in the group stage and progress,” said Daum.
Before the ICE kick-off on September 16, the respective return games against the two opponents are also scheduled. The remaining preliminary round matches will be played in October. The ORF broadcasts all games of the two Austrian clubs live. The first- and second-placed teams in the eight groups advance to the knockout stage. Vice-champions Fehervar and Olimpija Ljubljana also take part from the ICE league.
Rögle and Kasper want to defend titles
The defending champion is the Swedish club Rögle with the Austrian top talent Marco Kasper. The 18-year-old forward contributed two goals and four assists in twelve CHL games last season, but had to watch the home final in Ängelholm (2-1 against Tappara Tampere) of all places.
The Carinthian was chosen number eight in the NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings, but will still be playing for Rögle in the upcoming season. With Lulea striker Konstantin Komarek there is also a Sweden legionnaire with a second.