Tuesday, 27. October 2026 |
Red Bulls vs. Vienna Capitals
Current Situation
The past week marked a turning point for the team in Salzburg. On Monday, the club announced a change in coaching staff; under the guidance of new head coach Teemu Levijoki, the Red Bulls found their footing, winning all three of their subsequent matches against Ljubljana, Innsbruck, and Feldkirch. This provided the team with a boost in both performance and morale, which is also reflected in their improved standing in the league table. Heading into the game against the Vienna Capitals, the Red Bulls now sit in seventh place (up from 12th) and aim to carry that rediscovered joy of playing into this matchup.
The Vienna Capitals currently hold ninth place in the standings, trailing the Red Bulls by just two points—with a game in hand. In mid-October, the team from the capital secured victories against opponents including Pustertal and Klagenfurt. While they were defeated in their last two outings by a high-flying Linz side and the reigning champions, Graz, it is worth noting that they faced significantly tougher opposition than the Red Bulls did during that same stretch.
Vienna with Renewed Momentum
After failing to reach the quarterfinals for the past three years, the Capitals are making a fresh push—bolstered by the successful signings of forwards Shane Gersich (USA, arriving from Bolzano) and Jakob Lilja (SWE, from EV Zug). The pair currently lead the team in scoring, with 8 and 7 goals, respectively. Additionally, Nick Bailen—who moved to Vienna from the reigning champions, Graz—ranks among the Capitals' top four scorers with 12 points.
Behind the bench is Mike Stewart, who previously coached in Villach from 2010 to 2012 (having also played there for many years). After spending several seasons in the DEL, Stewart has now returned to the ICE Hockey League as head coach of the Vienna Capitals. Among those returning is Konstantin Komarek, who played for the Red Bulls from 2012 to 2016, winning two championship titles with the team. Now 33, the forward has returned to his hometown this summer following a ten-year stint in Sweden’s top two professional leagues; he has recorded five assists so far this season.
Personnel Update
Thomas Raffl (expected to return following the international break), Peter Schneider, and Olivier Galipeau remain sidelined while recovering from injuries. New defenseman Fredrik Claesson arrived in Salzburg today, though it is unlikely he will feature against the Capitals.
Highlights Red Bulls vs. Vienna Capitals | 3.1.26
Statement from Ali Wukovits
"Last week, we essentially made a fresh start and got off to a very good beginning. In our recent games, we’ve been rewarded for our willingness to put in the hard work, and we want to carry that same energy into the next match. We’re expecting another tough battle against the Capitals. They are clearly better positioned than in previous years and have a deep roster. We’re analyzing them closely, but our goal is to impose our own style of play through our forecheck and put them under pressure early on. If we do that, we’ll have a very good chance."
All-time record: Red Bulls vs. Vienna Capitals
Since 2004: 168 games | 97 wins for RBS | 71 wins for VIC
Last ten games: L W W W L L W W W W
Last ten home games: W W W L W W L W W W
win2day ICE Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Vienna Capitals
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 | Eisarena Salzburg, 7:15 PM
Sporteurope.tv
Red Bulls Bolster Defense with Former Swedish KHL Champion// TEAM UPDATE
Mit Video
Red Bulls cap off a 9-point week with win against Feldkirch// GAME DAY
Mit Video
Red Bulls Win 4–2 in Innsbruck// GAME DAY