Salzburg suffers first defeat under new coach Levijoki

Red Bull Salzburg has to accept their first defeat under new head coach Teemu Levijoki in the 17th round of the win2day ICE Hockey League.

The "Ice Bulls" lose 1-3 to HC Pustertal, thus missing the chance to overtake the South Tyroleans.

The hosts get off to a better start and reward themselves for their efforts shortly before the first period break. After Florian Baltram is sent to the penalty box for interference, Pustertal strikes on the power play. Gunnarwolfe Fontaine assists Gerry Fitzgerald with a strong pass, who slots it in at the far post to make it 1-0 (18./PP).

Salzburg falls further behind

The Salzburgers also initially struggle in the second period. Instead of a possible equalizer, the next goal comes at the other end: Greg Di Tomaso capitalizes on a power play and extends the lead to 2-0 with a powerful shot (32./PP).

Salzburg then finds their way into the game a bit better, but initially lacks the necessary attacking power. At the other end, David Kickert prevents an even bigger deficit with a strong save and some luck on a post shot.

Shortly before the second break, however, the "Ice Bulls" get back into it. New signing Fredrik Claesson, making his debut for Salzburg, reduces the deficit to 1-2 with a spectacular shot into the top corner (39.). This guarantees excitement again before the final period.

Pustertal leaves nothing to chance

In the final period, Salzburg first has to survive a tricky phase. Michael Raffl receives a four-minute penalty for high-sticking, but the hosts cannot capitalize on it.

Instead, Pustertal manages the decisive goal in the 53rd minute. After a counter-attack, Mantinger assists Cole Bardreau, who gives Kickert no chance in the short corner and makes it 3-1.

Salzburg tries everything once again and even seemingly gets a second goal through Claesson. However, after a video review, the Swede's goal is disallowed because the puck did not fully cross the line.

Pustertal thus celebrates their fifth consecutive win and extends their lead over Salzburg. The South Tyroleans are now in fourth place with 29 points, while Red Bull Salzburg has 25 points and drops to seventh place. For Levijoki, it is the first defeat since taking office.

Bolzano surprisingly loses in overtime

League leaders HC Bolzano have to admit defeat 2-3 in overtime against Hungarian representative Fehervar AV19.

The South Tyroleans take the lead twice through Matt Bradley (29.) and Daniel Mantenuto (45./PP), but the hosts equalize each time through Istvan Terbocs (39./PP) and Anze Kuralt (54.). In overtime, Justin MacPherson finally secures the decision in favor of the Hungarians (63.).

Bolzano remains league leaders with 37 points nevertheless. Fehervar now has 21 points and moves up to ninth place.

win2day ICE Hockey League Standings >>>