Sunday, 13. September 2026 |
Champions Hockey League | Växjö Lakers
The Växjö Lakers demonstrated their class right from the opening period, establishing a commanding 3–0 lead. For a long time, the Red Bulls struggled to mount a dangerous attack; it wasn't until the second period—following Dennis Robertson’s goal that made it 1–5—that they stepped up the pressure, adding further goals from Benjamin Nissner and Nick Poisson during a strong final period. However, a comeback wasn't on the cards, and the Växjö Lakers sealed a 6–3 victory with an empty-net goal.
Highlights of the Bulls in Växjö
Match Summary
After an evenly matched start, the hosts soon took the lead; Salzburg goaltender Atte Tolvanen was helpless against a deflected shot from Eemeli Suomi (8th minute). Play continued to flow back and forth, but the Swedes conceded very little in front of their own net. They then clinically converted their next opportunity: Jimi Suomi fired a one-timer into the top corner from the left face-off circle amidst heavy traffic in front of the goal (13th minute). Michael Raffl (16th) and Peter Schneider (17th) had Salzburg’s best chances of the opening period during a power play. However, the ruthlessly efficient Swedes found the net once more before the break; Hugo Gustafsson scored on the rebound from close range (19th minute) to make it 3–0—a scoreline that accurately reflected the run of play.
The Lakers maintained their strong performance after the break, adding more goals against the Red Bulls: Dennis Rasmussen scored from right beside the post during a power play (24th minute), followed by Eemeli Suomi, who was set up for a close-range finish (27th minute). Salzburg struggled to gain a foothold in the game. However, Dennis Robertson surprised Växjö goaltender Ludvig Persson during a power play, scoring from behind the goal line by banking the puck in off the goalie's pad (31st minute). This spurred the Red Bulls to step up their attack and create genuine threats in front of the opposing goal, though Ludvig Persson remained alert to several good shots. After 40 minutes, the Red Bulls trailed 1–5 but had noticeably shifted to a more offensive style of play.
The Red Bulls capitalized on their increased attacking pressure; Benjamin Nissner scored from the slot shortly after the restart to make it 2–5 (42nd minute), and Nick Poisson followed up during a goalmouth scramble to cut the deficit to two goals (45th minute). Suddenly, it was an open game; Salzburg was now competing on equal terms and creating further dangerous chances in front of the net, while Atte Tolvanen also distinguished himself with a big save (54th minute). However, even with a power play and the goalie pulled, they couldn't manage any more; ultimately—despite a spirited rally and a strong final period from Salzburg—the scoreboard showed a 6–3 victory for the Swedes, sealed by an empty-net goal in the dying seconds.
Statements Alan Letang & Peter Schneider
Statement from Peter Schneider
"We had a strong finish, but unfortunately a weak start as well. You have to take your hat off to the Swedes; they play with great pace and are technically very skilled. I’m proud of the guys nonetheless—we never gave up and fought our way back into the game at the end. But, of course, it’s very difficult to overcome a 0–5 deficit."
Champions Hockey League
Växjö Lakers – EC Red Bull Salzburg 6–3 (3–0, 2–1, 1–2)
Goals:
1–0 | 07:07 | Eemeli Suomi
2–0 | 12:19 | Jimi Suomi
3–0 | 18:33 | Hugo Gustafsson
4–0 | 23:02 | Dennis Rasmussen | PP
5–0 | 26:46 | Eemeli Suomi
5–1 | 30:07 | Dennis Robertson | PP
5–2 | 41:07 | Benjamin Nissner
5–3 | 44:21 | Nick Poisson
6–3 | 59:46 | Lucas Elvenes | EN, SH
Attendance: 2,587
CHL | Red Bulls Regular Season
Thu, 03.09.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Kölner Haie 2:5 (0:2, 2:2, 0:1)
Sat, 05.09.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Bílí Tygri Liberec 3:0 (1:0, 0:0, 2:0)
Fr,i 11.09.2026 | Rögle Ängelholm vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg 5:0 (1:0, 0:0, 4:0)
Sun, 13.09.2026 | Växjö Lakers vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg 6:3 (3:0, 2:1, 1:2)
Wed, 07.10.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Eisbären Berlin | 8.20 p.m.
Tue, 13.10.2026 | Skellefteå AIK vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg | 7 p.m.
Next home game of the Red Bulls
win2day ICE Hockey League
On 18 September vs. EC-KAC
Eisarena Salzburg | 7.15 p.m.
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