Context
Olimpija Ljubljana will serve as the next true test for the Red Bulls, who have been back on the right track since the coaching change on October 19 and currently hold 7th place in the standings. The only team against whom the Red Bulls have come away empty-handed recently is the league runner-up, HC Falkensteiner Pustertal. However, the Salzburg side bounced back in their final game before the break—a 7:2 home victory over Székesfehérvár—and they now aim to carry that momentum into the match in Ljubljana.
The Slovenian side also enjoyed a four-game winning streak heading into the break, which they extended just yesterday with a 6:3 away win against HC Falkensteiner Pustertal. This result has propelled them into second place in the standings and solidified their status as the league’s most potent offensive team. With 79 goals scored, they lead the league by a wide margin, while having conceded only 46 (the third-best defensive record in the league).
The Red Bulls currently sit in fifth place, having scored 55 goals and conceded 52 (ranking 9th defensively). Over their last six games, however, the Salzburg team has significantly tightened up their defense, allowing only eight goals in that span. In Ljubljana, they intend to once again build their offensive play from a solid defensive foundation.
Personnel Situation
Thomas Raffl is fit again and returns to the squad following a six-week injury layoff. Olivier Galipeau is also available after a three-week absence due to injury, though it remains to be seen whether he will feature in the lineup. Peter Schneider and Florian Baltram remain sidelined as they continue their recovery. Ali Wukovits is a doubt due to a cold.
Maximilian Wurzer has left the Red Bulls
EC Red Bull Salzburg and Maximilian Wurzer have mutually agreed to end their partnership. The 22-year-old forward spent a total of eight years within the Red Bulls organization, including 32 appearances (1 goal, 1 assist) in the win2day ICE Hockey League. Wurzer has since joined EHC Kundl. The Red Bulls thank the forward for his commitment and contributions over the past years and wish him all the best in his future athletic and personal endeavors.
