Tuesday, 18. March 2025 |
Red Bulls start semi-final series against Bolzano with home win Three goals in the second period decided the game // win2day ICE Hockey League | PlayoffsEC Red Bull Salzburg won its home game against HCB Südtirol Alperia 3:1 to kick off the playoff semi-final series of the win2day ICE Hockey League and take the lead in the best-of-seven series. After a goalless and evenly matched first period, the Red Bulls struck three times after the first break with goals from Peter Schneider, Ali Wukovits and Thomas Raffl and thus brought about the preliminary decision, although the visitors also reduced the deficit in the second period and remained dangerous until the end. Goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen also thwarted several high-caliber chances by the visitors to secure Salzburg's first semi-final victory, which was well deserved overall. The second game continues on Friday in Bolzano.
Next home game | Playoff semifinals | Game 3
Sun, 23 March vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia | Tickets
Highlights Red Bulls vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
Course of the game
Caution was called for at the start. Both teams pressed for the goal, but came up against well-positioned defenses that left little space. Troy Bourke shot at lightning speed from the face-off circle (10th), but was unable to surprise the visitors' goalie Sam Harvey. Scott Kosmachuk later tried a backhand from close range (14). The Italians were also knocking on the door, but hardly had any well-created chances, which all ended with Salzburg goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen. In the final minute, Brad McClure had the best chance in the power play, but shot over the goal from close range (20'). Dennis Robertson also had no luck on a breakaway, where he was obstructed, shortly before the break. After a lively opening period, the score remained 0-0 for the time being.
The game continued to be dominated by tough duels in the second half, often far away from goal, even though Bolzano had more attacking possession in the first few minutes. But the good shots increased. The Red Bulls played a 4-minute power play and put Bolzano under pressure several times in front of the goal. Scott Kosmachuk scored metal (30th). Almost on the counterattack, Braden Christoffer drove in alone on goal (31), followed by several chances in the confusion in front of the Salzburg goal. But suddenly everything opened up for the home side. Peter Schneider took a shot from the left face-off circle and put it into the net (32'). Just two minutes later, Tyler Lewington set up Ali Wukovits perfectly, who netted with a direct shot in front of goal (34'). And again two minutes later, Thomas Raffl converted a short solo run with a lob under the crossbar for a 3:0 lead (36'). However, Bolzano kept at it and reduced the deficit to 1:3 before the break, Braden Christoffer deflecting a shot from distance (39').
The final third quickly turned into an open exchange of blows, with shots being taken at every opportunity. Salzburg's Philipp Wimmer hit the crossbar from half-distance (43'), while Bolzano created danger in front of Salzburg's goal with a poke-in. The game was up and down, but Salzburg's defense was able to disrupt most of the visitors' attacks early on and keep calm in some hectic moments, accompanied by emotional outbursts. In the end, the Red Bulls defended successfully even against six Bolzano field players and finally celebrated a well-deserved first semi-final victory against the South Tyroleans.
Statements Ali Wukovits & Oliver David
Statement by Ali Wukovits
“It was a bit of a rusty start, but the win was still deserved. Atte [Tolvanen] kept us in the game and then we were more ruthless than the team from Bolzano. The first goal was something of a momentum switch and we were able to build on that and surprise Bolzano a little. That's what brought us the win.”
win2day ICE Hockey League | Playoff Semifinal | Game 1
EC Red Bull Salzburg - HCB Südtirol Alperia 3:1 (0:0, 3:1, 0:0)
Goals:
1:0 | 31:27 | Peter Schneider
2:0 | 33:19 | Ali Wukovits
3:0 | 35:16 | Thomas Raffl
3:1 | 38:46 | Braden Christoffer
Spectators: 3,112
Playoff semi-final | Red Bulls vs. Bolzano | 1:0
1 | Tue, 18.03.25 | EC Red Bull Salzburg - HCB Südtirol Alperia 3:1 (0:0, 3:1, 0:0)
2 | Fri, 21.03.25 | HCB Südtirol Alperia - EC Red Bull Salzburg | 7.45 p.m.
3 | Sun, 23.03.25 | EC Red Bull Salzburg - HCB Südtirol Alperia | 4.30 p.m.
4 | Tue, 25.03.25 | HCB Südtirol Alperia - EC Red Bull Salzburg | 7.45 p.m.
5* | Fri, 28.03.25 | EC Red Bull Salzburg - HCB Südtirol Alperia | 7.15 p.m.
6* | Sun, 30.03.25 | HCB Südtirol Alperia - EC Red Bull Salzburg | 6 p.m.
7* | Tue, 01.04.25 | EC Red Bull Salzburg - HCB Südtirol Alperia | 7.15 p.m.
* If necessary | Starting times may change due to TV games
Mit Video
Red Bulls are ready for the semi-final against Bolzano // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE | PLAYOFFS
Mit Video
Red Bulls face Bolzano again in the semi-finals // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE | PLAYOFFS
Mit Video
“99.9% only have the playoffs in mind” // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE | PLAYOFFS
Mit Video
Red Bulls are ready for the semi-final against Bolzano // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE | PLAYOFFS
Mit Video
Red Bulls face Bolzano again in the semi-finals // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE | PLAYOFFS
Mit Video
“99.9% only have the playoffs in mind” // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE | PLAYOFFS
Always be informed!
Yes! I would like to receive information about events, products, activities and offers from EC Red Bull Salzburg GmbH and its affiliated companies by e-mail. I know that I can revoke this consent at any time free of charge by clicking the „unsubscribe“ button or by sending an e-mail to privacy-ecrbs@redbull.com. Information about what personal data we collect about you and how we process it can be found in our privacy policy.
