Thursday, 11. December 2025 |
EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV vs. Red Bulls
It's a clash of two teams close in the standings, both vying to advance to or remain in the top six group, which guarantees a playoff spot. The Red Bulls aim to replicate the fighting spirit from their recent victory in Vienna and continue their pursuit of consistently strong performances.
Statement Michael Raffl
Background
The Red Bulls are in sixth place with 39 points. Villach, with one game in hand, is seventh with 38 points. In the only Friday game (rescheduled due to the Red Bulls' participation in the CHL), both teams will battle for a spot in the top group and are looking to get back to form. Villach has only managed one point in their last five games, while the Red Bulls have scored twice in their last five.
The Red Bulls, however, come into the game with the confidence boost of their recent 4-2 victory in Vienna last Sunday, where they overcame a two-goal deficit and secured the win with a solid team performance. This is only the second meeting between VSV and the Red Bulls this season. In mid-September, Salzburg won the home game 2-1 in overtime.
Villach Coach with Red Bull Expertise
On December 1st, Villach appointed Pierre Allard as their new head coach, replacing Tray Tuomie after a year and a half. The 53-year-old Canadian spent four years as an assistant coach with EHC Red Bull Munich and held the same position with Genève-Servette HC this season. Allard has now answered the call from Villach, marking his first time as head coach of a professional club.
Michael Raffl Returns to His Roots
This game will be a trip down memory lane for Michael Raffl, who, after two years in Sweden (Hockey Allsvenskan), nine years in the NHL, and three years in Switzerland (NL), will be playing his first game back in his sporting homeland against his former club, VSV, with the Red Bulls. Michael Raffl last played for VSV in the 2020/11 EBEL season.
A duel against cousin Alexander Rauchenwald will not take place, however, as the Villach captain is sidelined with a knee injury. The Red Bulls are also dealing with several absences. In addition to Ali Wukovits and Peter Hochkofler, Connor Corcoran, Nash Nienhuis, and Maximilian Wurzer are also unavailable due to illness. Lukas Schreier, on the other hand, is fit again and could make his comeback after seven weeks.
Highlights Red Bulls vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV | 19.9.25
Statement by Michael Raffl
"I expect a tough game. The standings are very tight, and Villach is only one point behind us. This is a huge game for us, just like our last few games have been. Defensively, we're pretty solid, and the last win in Vienna was a bit of a boost for the team. But matches against Villach are always tough!"
All-time record Red Bulls vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV
Since 2004: 139 games | 83 wins RBS | 56 wins VSV
Last ten games: L W L L W L L W L
Last ten away games: L W L L L L L L
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV – EC Red Bull Salzburg
Fri, Dec 12, 2025 | Villach, 7:15 PM
Livestream
Next home game of the Red Bulls
On 17 December vs. Pioneers Vorarlberg
Eisarena Salzburg | 7.15 p.m.
Livestream
Mit Video
“A shutout feels almost like a victory”// PLAYER PORTRAIT
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Red Bulls earn a well-deserved 3-point victory in Vienna// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Red Bulls lose 1-2 at home to Klagenfurt// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE