Wednesday, 20. August 2025 |
18th edition of Red Bulls Salute eagerly awaitedRed Bulls face EV Zug in the semi-finals// Red Bulls Salute For the third time in a row, the international invitational tournament “Red Bulls Salute” will take place in Zell am See-Kaprun, once again offering top-class ice hockey with four top European teamsEC Red Bull Salzburg will start on Friday against EV Zug (4:00 p.m.), followed by EHC Red Bull Munich taking on Rögle BK at the KE-KELIT Arena (7:30 p.m.).
It is always exciting when the Red Bulls face a real test of their mettle shortly before the start of the CHL season – which begins just one week after Red Bulls Salute – and take on EV Zug, one of the consistently best Swiss NL teams. Founded in 1967, Zug has won the National League championship three times, the last two titles back to back in 2021 and 2022. Last season, EVZ finished the regular season in 4th place, but had to settle for the quarterfinals in the playoffs.
Highlights Red Bulls Salute 2024
A lot of experience in the team
EV Zug has a number of young players in its lineup, but can also rely on a wealth of experience. With an average age of 28.5, it is the second oldest team in the NL (after Genève-Servette). Its oldest player is Raphael Diaz, who grew up right next to the stadium and has now returned to his hometown after four years in Fribourg. The defender is 39 years old, making him six months older than Salzburg captain Thomas Raffl, who is currently the oldest player in the win2day ICE Hockey League at 39.
Lino Martschini (32) is also playing in Zell am See, the forward with the most points (589) for EVZ to date. The forward is only four goals away from the club record of 260 goals. And goalkeeper Leonardo Genoni (37) has long since achieved legendary status. The seven-time Swiss champion and two-time World Championship silver medalist has played his entire career in Switzerland and is entering his seventh season with EV Zug.
Zug already in good form
The Red Bulls are preparing for a tough opponent that they are familiar with. In each of the last two years, Salzburg lost their first preseason game in Zell am See against the Swiss team (1-4, 3-5). In addition, Zug won the Lehner Cup in Sursee (SUI) last weekend, beating Motor České Budějovice (3-2) and Red Bull Munich (5-2).
The Red Bulls, who lost 1-2 in overtime in a closely contested home test against Slovakian champions HC Kosice last Saturday, last beat Zug three years ago at the Red Bulls Salute in Kitzbühel. At that time, Salzburg advanced to the final with a 3-1 victory, but lost 0-2 to Mountfield HK.
Interview Peter Hochkofler
Statement by Peter Hochkofler
“Zug is a strong opponent, so we know exactly what to expect. We want to implement the tactics we have now rebuilt as well as possible and try to impose them on the Swiss. In any case, we are here to play good ice hockey.”
Livestream
All Red Bulls Salute games are available via livestream at:
ServusOn | SporteuropeTV | KroneTV
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