From second to fifth place, everything is still possible for the EC Red Bull Salzburg in the pick round. The Friday match against Fehérvár is decisive.
The last match in the Pick Round of the ICE Hockey League is a tough one for EC Red Bull Salzburg. If everything goes perfectly, the Eisbullen could even move up to second place with an away win against Fehérvár on Friday and thus secure their ticket for the Champions Hockey League (CHL). For this, however, the KAC would also have to lose its two remaining games. On the other hand, if they lose in Hungary, the Salzburg team threatens to slip to the bottom of the second round and thus lose their home rights for the upcoming play-off.
“It’s an extremely important game. Everyone is highly motivated and we are one hundred percent prepared for the game,” assured striker David McIntyre. The latest developments in the team make him confident. “We’ve been going through a process over the past few months that has brought us together. I like the direction we’re going and this game is the next step in that process,” said McIntyre.
However, Fehérvár is an extremely unpleasant opponent who has won all of his home games against Salzburg this season. “The Hungarians are very strong offensively and a tad better at home, we are prepared for that,” emphasized Red Bull striker Florian Baltram. “We have to play our best game in Hungary.”
The increase in the league to 14 teams decided on Wednesday (the SN reported) will also have an impact on the mode – the sports committee should work on proposals. There would be four basic rounds (52 rounds) and the elimination of the pick round.
Another hot topic was the use of the Italian Canadians from Bozen to excess. Here, too, a compromise is emerging: Only those who are eligible to play for the national team should be deemed to be residents – and that is only someone who has been resident in the country for 18 months.
Friday: Fehérvár – Salzburg, Capitals – KAC (beide 19.15). Table: 1. Bozen 18 points / 7 games, 2. KAC 12/6, 3. Salzburg 11/7,
4. Fehérvár 7/6, 5. Capitals 7/6.
–
