Thursday, 02. October 2025 |
The duel between second and third in the league is the first return match of the still young regular season; the Red Bulls won the first leg of the league opener on September 12 in Bolzano 4-3.
Interview Niki Kraus
Starting Position
When the Red Bulls face HCB Südtirol on Friday, it's going to be a thrilling encounter once again. The first leg in Bolzano ended with just one goal difference in favor of the Red Bulls, who subsequently lost only once (against Pustertal) in six matches. The South Tyroleans also suffered their only defeat in the current regular season with their loss to Salzburg, meaning the second encounter is a direct duel for second place in the table – a defeat for league leaders Ljubljana could even put Salzburg at the top.
The initial feeling-out period is over
Apart from the fact that the South Tyroleans have one game less than Salzburg, both teams are playing fairly evenly so far. They are separated by only two points, have recorded just one loss each, and have a similar style of play, with a goal difference of 18:9 (RBS) and 19:7 (HCB). The distribution of goalscorers – nine in Salzburg, eleven in Bolzano – also presents a similar picture for both teams. Only Salzburg defender Connor Corcoran is the outlier here with five goals.
Mario Huber set to return
There is a first glimmer of hope in the Red Bulls' injury camp. Mario Huber will make his comeback tomorrow against Bolzano. The 29-year-old striker was out for five weeks with a facial injury and is now playing his first competitive game. Also out of the lineup while recovering are Ali Wukovits, Peter Hochkofler, Troy Bourke – who is back in team training, and a return to action is on the horizon – Philipp Wimmer, Maximilian Wurzer, Vadim Schreiner, and Lukas Hörl. New signing Brandon Coe's debut will also have to wait until all formalities are completed.
Highlights HCB Südtirol Alperia vs. Red Bulls | 12.9.25
Statement from Niki Kraus
"We face a tough opponent. The first leg in Bolzano wasn't easy, and the South Tyroleans have played strong games in recent matches. They've definitely stepped up their game. But we're prepared for it."
Red Bulls vs. HCB All-Time Record
Since 2013: 92 games | 51 wins RBS | 41 wins HCB
Last ten games: W W W L W W W L W W
Last ten home games: W W L W L W W W L W
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg – HCB Südtirol Alperia
Fri, October 3, 2025 | Salzburg Ice Arena, 7:15 p.m.
Trachten Gameday | Sporteurope.tv
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