Game report
The Juniors started the game on a strong run and took the lead after just 53 seconds (1st) through Daniel Assavolyuk, who scored after preparatory work by Lars Lion Bosecker. However, the joy did not last long: in the 5th minute of the game, the Broncos took advantage of an overtime situation and Nicholas Campoli equalized to make it 1:1. The visitors increased the lead to 2:1 just a few minutes later (8') when Connor Sanvido scored with an unfortunate deflected build-up pass. Sterzing gained momentum and put Salzburg under pressure. Goalkeeper Valentin Ankirchner made several saves and an open exchange of blows developed with chances on both sides. Towards the end of the first period, the Juniors were given a 5-on-3 advantage, but were unable to use it to equalize.
The visitors got off to the better start in the second period. The Juniors stepped up the pace and fired at Broncos goalkeeper Dominik Groh from all angles, but were unsuccessful. The game became more physical and Sterzing looked for counter-attacking opportunities. James Livingston increased the lead to 3:1 for the Broncos in the 28th minute. Just one minute later (29), Connor Sanvido scored again to make it 4:1. The Red Bulls then changed goalkeeper: Mika Haim made his debut in the Alps Hockey League. Despite a breath of fresh air in Salzburg's game, the visitors managed to increase the lead to 5:1 through Sanvido in the 39th minute.
The final period got off to another unfortunate start for the Juniors. Although they were playing in overtime, they were awarded another goal by Connor Sanvido after just 44 seconds (41st), his fourth goal of the evening. With the same number of players, the game was more even, but the Red Bulls were unable to convert their chances into goals. Sterzing remained dangerous and extended their lead to 7:1 in the 56th minute through Adam Capannelli. In the final minutes, the Juniors were once again given an overtime opportunity, but were unable to capitalize on it. It was not until 23 seconds before the end (60') that Paul Vinzens made the final score 2:7.