Red Bulls suffer narrow defeat in first test match

Saturday, 16. August 2025 |

Red Bulls suffer narrow defeat in first test matchSalzburg lose to Slovakian champions after overtime// FriendlyEC Red Bull Salzburg suffered a 1-2 defeat to HC Košice after overtime in their first test match of the new season at the Eisarena Salzburg. Both teams put in an impressive performance and were evenly matched opponents.

Next games of the Red Bulls 22./23. August at Red Bulls Salute in Zell am See | Tickets

Interviews Manny Viveiros & Michael Raffl

Match report

With all new players in the team – only Ali Wukovits and Vadim Schreiner were missing due to injury – the Red Bulls went into their first test match of the new season. Atte Tolvanen was given his first assignment in goal, but didn't have to intervene for a long time. The Red Bulls played lively from the start, felt comfortable in the offensive zone, and kept the puck moving. From the 10th minute onwards, the Slovaks were able to open up the game a little, but Salzburg had the better chances. However, the visitors' goalie Patrik Jurcak also played well, and so the teams went into the break after 20 minutes with the score still goalless.

The game became more intense in the second period, partly because the visitors pushed more into the offensive. In the now more frequent back-and-forth action, the Red Bulls initially pressed forward more clearly, and the chances improved. Lucas Thaler failed to convert a rebound in front of goal after a good combination (24th minute). However, the technically skilled visitors took the lead with their first power play (31st minute), with Oleksandr Plokhotnik having an easy job with the rebound. This gave the Slovaks the upper hand and they pressed dangerously with two more power plays. They took the lead into the second intermission.

The final period was evenly matched, with both teams stepping up their game in the face-offs. Thomas Raffl then scored the equalizer, skillfully deflecting Nash Nienhuis' blue-liner during a power play (45th minute). After that, the game became really hard-fought, with both teams taking turns creating chances. From the 54th minute onwards, the Red Bulls put on a strong period of pressure, but were unlucky with several good shots. After a very intense final phase, the game went into overtime, which the visitors won with a close-range goal from David Kohut.

Statement from Michael Raffl

"We've been on the ice for a week now with five training sessions in a row, so it's great that it's finally starting. It was about getting a feel for hockey again, getting used to the pace, and finding our legs and lungs. As a team, we were OK in the first period, then it was a bit up and down. But that's normal in the first game, we can still improve in all areas."