Game report
The Salzburg derby began with enormous speed, but was slowed down early on by a penalty by the Juniors. However, the Red Bulls defended consistently and hardly allowed the Polar Bears to score. Back at full strength, head coach Teemu Levijoki's team increasingly took control of the game and took the lead in the 6th minute: Leon Kolarik converted the pass to make it 1:0 after preparatory work from Maximilian Wurzer. Shortly afterwards, Zell goalie Max Zimmermann was once again at the center of the action, just managing to scrape the puck off the line. Both teams now fought for every centimeter of ice, with the Juniors showing the more dangerous offensive actions.
In the second period, the Red Bulls looked to move forward early, but were once again outnumbered. Thanks to the once again strong defense around goalkeeper Valentin Ankirchner, they also survived this situation. The game became increasingly physical and both teams created top-class chances, which were thwarted by the goalkeepers, who were both in good form. Only a late penalty against Zell am See gave the Juniors the advantage in the 39th minute - and Leon Kolarik struck again to make it 2:0 (40').
The home side tried to extend their lead in the final period, but new signing Florian Lanzinger could only hit the bar in the 43rd minute. The Polar Bears then upped the tempo and tested Ankirchner several times, who continued to keep a clean sheet. The Juniors also survived another short-handed spell unscathed, even when the Polar Bears played with a sixth outfield player in the final minutes and increased the deficit to 6-on-4. The Red Bulls then finished the game in commanding fashion and celebrated a well-deserved derby victory.