KAC narrowly loses to Eisbären Berlin after a long battle

The Red Jackets stood up to the German serial champions for a long time, but two goals conceded in quick succession made the difference.

Source text: © LAOLA1

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KAC lost 1:2 to Eisbären Berlin on the final matchday of the league phase in the Champions Hockey League.

Without a chance of reaching the knockout phase, the Red Jackets entered their final international appearance this season, standing up to the German serial champions with a young squad in front of a sold-out crowd for a long time.

The first period remained goalless, but with slight advantages for the Carinthians. In the second period, the hosts took control of the game and took a deserved, yet fortunate, lead.

Berlin Double Strike

Top scorer Ronning caught Unterweger in the face with a high stick during a battle, but the referees did not penalize this. KAC newcomer Mitens was able to save Ronning's shot, but the Latvian was powerless against Kirk's rebound (34.).

Doubly bitter: Following the 1-0 goal, the referees even assessed a penalty against Unterweger for slashing. KAC survived the ensuing penalty kill unscathed, but shortly thereafter, Mitens had to reach behind him again.

His view was obstructed on Tiffels' backhand finish, and the Eisbären led 2-0 (37.).

Comeback Fails to Materialize

Austria's record champions also kept the final period open, even scoring for the first time in the 50th minute. Captain Hundertpfund drove to the net, failed with his initial attempt against LaFontaine, but tucked in his own rebound (50.).

The Klagenfurt team subsequently had the momentum and found good opportunities to equalize. However, the 2-2 equalizer did not materialize, even when Mitens left the goal for a sixth skater.

Two Points from Six Games

The Champions League adventure ends for KAC with their fifth defeat in six games. They recorded two points from the overtime victory in the first round against the Bordeaux Boxers from France, resulting in a final ranking of 22nd out of 24.

The Eisbären Berlin, on the other hand, also won their third CHL game this season against an Austrian representative and advance to the round of 16 as the fifth-ranked team overall with twelve points.