Thursday, 15. January 2026 |
EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV vs. Red Bulls
The Red Bulls have won both of their previous encounters this season, but have dropped a point in each game. Another intense match is expected in Villach in this third meeting, as the fight for crucial points continues.
Statement Michal Raffl
Current Situation
The ICE Hockey League regular season is already in its final quarter, and the battle for position is intensifying. This is also true for the Red Bulls' next game in Villach. Salzburg currently sits in third place, tied on points with the fourth-placed South Tyroleans, who also have a game in hand. The Red Bulls continue to fight to close the gap to the two top-ranked teams, Klagenfurt and Graz, in order to maintain their chances of early CHL qualification. After their recent loss in Bruneck, Salzburg wants to get back on track immediately and continue their strong performance of recent weeks.
For Villach, the goal is to return to the 7th to 10th place positions, which qualify them for the pre-playoffs. Currently, the blue-and-whites are in 11th place, but are only two points behind the 10th-placed Vienna Capitals, with one or two games in hand compared to the next highest-ranked teams. In recent weeks, Villach has experienced a real slump, which even new head coach Pierre Allard, appointed on December 1st, has been unable to halt. In the 13 games under his leadership, Villach has only managed three wins, but last Sunday in Bolzano, they showed signs of life with a 5-4 overtime victory.
Top Scorer in Focus
The undisputed number one scorer for Villach is Adam Helewka. The 30-year-old Canadian, after stints in Innsbruck (2022/23) and Bolzano (2024/25), is proving himself a prolific ICE forward in Villach as well, boasting 17 goals and 16 assists in 33 games. For the Red Bulls, Michael Raffl, who is eagerly anticipated in his second appearance with Salzburg in his hometown of Villach, leads the team's scoring list. The 37-year-old former NHL forward has 14 goals and 21 assists in 34 games.
Peter Schneider and Troy Bourke have returned to fitness for the third game of the season against VSV. Ali Wukovits (planned comeback at the end of January) and Dennis Robertson (upper body injury) will be unavailable, at least for Friday's game.
Highlights EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV vs. Red Bulls
Statement by Michael Raffl
"Villach is a very talented team. They've been through a rough patch, but they've now found a way to win and play better hockey. Villach is always dangerous on offense and creates scoring opportunities. We have to be very solid defensively and stay solid. And score on offense."
Season Matchup: Red Bulls vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV | 2:0
September 19, 2025 | EC Red Bull Salzburg – EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV 2:1 (0:0, 1:0, 0:1) OT
December 12, 2025 | EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV – EC Red Bull Salzburg 3:4 (1:0, 1:2, 1:1) OT
All-Time Record: Red Bulls vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV
Since 2004: 140 games | 84 wins for RBS | 56 wins for VSV
Last ten games: W L L W L L W L W W
Last ten away games: W W L W L L L L W W
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC iDM Heat Pumps VSV – EC Red Bull Salzburg
Fri, January 16, 2026 | Villach, 7:15 PM
Livestream
Next home game of the Red Bulls
On 18 January vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
Eisarena Salzburg | 4.30 p.m.
Livestream
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