The Juniors got off to a strong start in the first period. However, Cortina was able to control the game better as the first period progressed and eventually scored the opening goal. The second period remained goalless. Cortina only scored in the final period to make the final score 2:0.
Course of the game
The Red Bull Hockey Juniors started the first game after the Christmas break highly motivated. Despite good chances for the Juniors, they failed to score an early goal. The opponents from Italy were able to initiate a period of pressure by outnumbering their opponents. However, Juniors goalkeeper Thomas Pfarrmaier defused the resulting chances with strong saves. The game then moved up and down at high speed. It was not until the last minute of the first period (20th) that Cortina scored the opening goal through Gregory Di Tomaso.
In the second period, the Juniors again started with good chances. The young Salzburgers played at high speed, rotating in Cortina's third and firing shots. However, the puck did not find its way past the Italian goalkeeper Hayden Hawkey. The young Salzburgers were also unable to take advantage of an overpayment opportunity. The game became more physical and both teams fought for every inch. However, the second period remained goalless.
The final period started at eye level. Both teams tried to score, but failed to finish. As the final period progressed, Cortina managed to take control of the game and put the home side under pressure. Cortina finally managed to open up a two-goal lead through Francesco Adam in the 51st minute. The Juniors tried everything they could to close the gap, but made life difficult for themselves by being short-handed in the final five minutes. Back at full strength, the Red Bull Hockey Juniors tried a sixth field player, but had to end the game goalless.