Game report
An intense and physical start kicked off the new season for the Red Bull Hockey Juniors in the Alps Hockey League. The first chances came quickly – such as Maxim Eliseev's pass to Jesse Juhola (2nd), which slipped just over the Finn's stick in front of the goal. In the 5th minute, however, the visitors from Croatia took advantage of a 2-on-1 situation: Fran Zavrski converted the counterattack and beat Juniors goalie Valentin Ankirchner in the short corner. The first period was entertaining and offered chances for both sides, but no further goals were scored.
In the second period, Eliseev opened with a solo effort (21st minute), but was unable to capitalize on it. In the immediate counterattack, Bohdan Panasenko (22nd minute) increased the score to 2-0 after a coordination error by the Juniors. There were chances for both sides in the aftermath, but a power play brought the next decisive moment: Danila Larionovs scored in the 26th minute to make it 3-0. The visitors now took control of the game. Despite isolated attacks by the Juniors, Vito Idzan extended the lead to 4-0 in the 31st minute. Then came a spectacular comeback by the young Salzburg team: with a two-man advantage, Benedikt Krainer scored his first goal of the season in the 35th minute. Just 42 seconds later (36th minute), Fabian Baumann added another goal on the power play. With a double strike in the 37th and 38th minutes, Jesse Juhola finally brought the Red Bulls back into the game – 4-4!
The game entered the final period with the score unchanged. Both teams now played much more defensively, waiting for mistakes and relying on quick transitions. The intensity remained high, with tough tackles and shots from all angles dominating the game. Despite power play opportunities for both sides, however, no further goals were scored. Neither team managed to break the deadlock in overtime either. In the penalty shootout, it was Karlo Marinkovic who finally secured the away win for Sisak with the only successful attempt.
