Wednesday, 23. September 2026 |
win2day ICE Hockey League | Red Bulls vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck "Die Haie"
The Red Bulls started aggressively—looking downright dominant in the opening period—and held a 2–1 lead after 20 minutes. They continued to control the puck for the most part but lacked the creative ideas needed to find the back of the net again. Innsbruck defended well, equalized during the second period on one of their few chances, and—following a disjointed final period—forced the game into a shootout, which they ultimately won. Thomas Raffl and Benjamin Nissner scored for Salzburg.
Next Home Game
On 25 September vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV | 7.15 p.m.
Match Summary
The Red Bulls started the game with determination, barely letting the visitors touch the puck in the opening minutes. Thomas Raffl deflected a shot from Dennis Robertson—leaving visiting goaltender Sam Harvey with no chance—to put the Red Bulls ahead (6th minute). Innsbruck struck back immediately during what was essentially their first attack while shorthanded; Joel Messner scored the equalizer following a 2-on-1 break (6th minute). Salzburg remained in control, and Benjamin Nissner—set up unmarked at the right post—restored the lead (10th minute). Three minutes later, the goalscorer had another prime opportunity from an almost identical position. The Red Bulls kept up the pressure, firing frequently at the compact Tyrolean defense, while the visitors rarely managed to exit their defensive zone. Just before the break, Salzburg’s Adam Brooks was presented with a chance for a one-timer right in front of the net (19th minute). Salzburg was the better team in every respect during the first period, and their lead was well-deserved.
In the second period, Innsbruck initially took a more active role in the game. However, the home team soon regained the initiative. They initially struggled to break through during a power play. Dennis Robertson had an opportunity in the slot (28th minute), and Peter Schneider was unlucky when his shot from a tight angle rode up over the goalie's pad and slid just wide of the net (29th minute). After a solid spell of penalty killing, they immediately pushed forward again; Wyatt Kalynuk tried his luck with a strong shot from distance (35th minute). Yet, no matter what the Red Bulls tried, they were now struggling to crack the visitors' defense. Innsbruck even managed to equalize: shortly after a power play ended, Steven Owre scored from a tight angle, beating Salzburg goaltender Atte Tolvanen, who was a fraction too late to react (39th minute). Salzburg held the upper hand but couldn't find the back of the net. The score stood at 2–2 after 40 minutes.
Even after the second intermission, the Red Bulls initially spent time cycling the puck in the offensive zone but were slowed down by two highly dangerous Innsbruck power plays. The pattern continued; in a game that was becoming increasingly disjointed, the teams traded power-play and penalty-kill situations once more. Salzburg played with visible intent to attack the net, yet scoring chances were now few and far between. Benjamin Nissner had one such opportunity from the right face-off circle (57th minute). An exciting overtime period followed, during which either team could have won the game. The outcome ultimately came down to a shootout, where only the visitors scored, sealing the match. The Red Bulls secured their first point of the current regular season, though much more had been within reach.
Statement Ali Wukovits
Statement from Alan Letang
"We were definitely the better team at 5-on-5. Unfortunately, we couldn't score on the power play, as we struggled a bit to generate chances towards the net—an issue that carried over from our 5-on-5 play. We spent so much time in the offensive zone and blocked shots. But the bottom line remains: we have to find a way to be dangerous on the power play, too."
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck "Die Haie" 2:3 (2:1, 0:1, 0:0) SO
Goals:
1:0 | 05:13 | Thomas Raffl
1:1 | 05:45 | Joel Messner | SH
2:1 | 09:26 | Benjamin Nissner
2:2 | 38:25 | Steven Owre
2:3 | 65:00 | Sebastian Benker | PS
Attendance: 2,438
Next Home Game of the Red Bulls
win2day ICE Hockey League
On 25 September vs. EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV
Eisarena Salzburg | 7.15 p.m.
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