Final score
3:1
0:0
,
1:0
,
2:1
-
Josh Currie
-
Kevin Conley
-
Kevin Conley
-
Tobias Sablattnig
In Round 17 of the win2day ICE Hockey League, the Graz99ers host KAC for the second Pack Derby of the current season.
In front of 4,200 spectators, the Styrians emerge victorious with a 3:1 score, avenging their 2:6 defeat in the first season encounter.
99ers dominate early
Graz gets off to a better start and comes close to taking the lead in just the third minute. Maximilian Kirchebner, however, only hits the post after preparatory work by Josh Currie and Nick Swaney. Paul Huber's rebound shot also doesn't find its way into the net.
Shortly thereafter, comeback player Tim Harnisch tests KAC goalie Florian Vorauer, who saves with his blocker.
Klagenfurt gradually gets better into the game. In the seventh minute, Nicolas Wieser is in position to stop a shot from Finn van Ee.
The Rotjacken have their biggest chance to take the lead shortly before the first intermission: Captain Thomas Hundertpfund is set up wide open at the far post but puts his shot from close range over the net.
Graz uses power play to take the lead
The second period also starts as an even game. David Waschnig comes close to scoring for KAC in the 24th minute, but Graz manages to survive the chaotic situation in front of their goal. At the other end, Paul Stapelfeldt is denied twice by Vorauer.
Klagenfurt also creates chances, with Jacob Hudson testing Wieser from the slot in the 35th minute. Both goaltenders had shown strong form up to that point.
The breakthrough in the second period finally comes on the power play: The 99ers need just 14 seconds to convert their power play. Josh Currie is fed on the right wing, dekes out Jensen Aabo, and scores into the far corner. This gives the hosts a 1:0 lead (36./PP).
Conley becomes the match-winner
In the final period, Graz adds to their lead. In the 47th minute, the power play strikes again: After a shot that Vorauer can only block forward, Kevin Conley is perfectly positioned in the slot and converts the rebound for a 2:0 lead. It is the Graz forward's first goal of the season.
Just two minutes later, Conley celebrates again. After a shot from the blue line by Hora, the forward decisively gets his stick on it and deflects the puck for a 3:0 score. The referees initially review the scene via video evidence but then award the goal (49.).
KAC manages to score a consolation goal short-handed through Sablattnig (55./SH), but it no longer changes the outcome of the game.
With the home win, Graz now stands at 27 points, drawing level on points with Klagenfurt. Due to a better goal difference, KAC temporarily remains in fourth place, while the 99ers temporarily move up to fifth place.
