The EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV achieved a hard-fought victory in the first game of the preseason against the HC Pustertal “Die Wölfe”. After a dramatic game, the Villach Eagles were ultimately able to prevail in the shootout and returned from South Tyrol with their heads held high.
The Villach team had barely been on the ice when Andersen scored for the hosts after just 32 seconds. After that, the guests from the Drau city were in top form. New signing Guus Van Nes turned the game around with a double strike in the 5th and 11th minute to 2:1, Benjamin Lanzinger increased the score to 3:1 for the Eagles just 57 seconds later – the final score after 20 minutes of play.
In the second period, however, HC Pustertal showed its full strength and turned the game in its favor. With quick counterattacks and precise teamwork, the Wolves managed to catch up and win the period. Villach had to give up their lead and went into the last break with a 3:4 deficit.
The third period then became an open exchange of blows. Both teams played on equal terms and fought an exciting battle for the preliminary decision. But nine seconds before the end, the Villach defender Dylan MacPhersonwho scored the much-celebrated equalizer for VSV with a precise shot. The game ended in a 4:4 draw after regular time.
In the subsequent shootout, the Villach Eagles kept their nerve. Thanks to a safe goal from Guus Van Nes VSV was able to win the game.
“It was a good start for us. I think we did a lot of things well, but we still need to work on some,” says the new Head Coach Tray Tuomie. “We played well in the first period. We moved the puck quickly and made some good plays. We weren’t as good in the second period, but as the game went on we were able to change our goalie and score a goal late in the game.” After his first impression, Tuomie would like to work particularly on the special teams, but is optimistic. “I’m happy with our performance for the first game. The boys played hard.”
“We didn’t really feel that good in the first third, but we took the lead,” confesses Alexander Rauchenwald. “We played the puck smarter. A few unnecessary turnovers in the second period brought the Pustertaler back into the game, but in the end we were able to show character and equalize,” said the man from Villach. His conclusion? “Even though it was a preseason game, it was important that we started this way. We know we can score goals, we know we can fight and we can equalize. We also know where we can improve. We will take all of that with us into the future.”
The EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV has thus successfully started its preparation and is looking forward to the preseason home premiere next Freitag, 30.08.2024 against the Augsburg Pantherwhich also includes the former Draustadt Chris Collins in your luggage.
Game Stats – HCP vs. VSV
Next home game:
30.08.2024 | 7:15 p.m. | Villach Town Hall
EC iDM heat pumps VSV vs. Augsburger Panther
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