Despite the defeat in the first final, ERC Ingolstadt still believes in the German ice hockey championship. The appearance in the first game against the favored Munich team gives reason for optimism.
The performance in the opening defeat in the final series for the German ice hockey championship against EHC Red Bull Munich encourages the players from ERC Ingolstadt. “You can see: They are absolutely beatable. If we have the momentum on our side, we are the better team,” said Leon Hüttl after the 2-1 draw against the title favorites from Munich on Friday evening.
However, the Ingolstadt defender struggled with the first third. “I think we gave the opponent too much respect at the beginning.” The team might even have been “afraid,” Hüttl noted.
After the Munich goals by Trevor Parkes (2nd minute) and national striker Frederik Tiffels (28th), the outsider got into the game better and better. “In five-a-side, I think we were the better team from the 30th minute,” said the 22-year-old Hüttl.
In the final phase, the ERC pressed for the equalizer after Wojciech Stachowiak (43rd) scored – without success. “I think we act better as a team. We have to take that into the second game,” said Hüttl.
Both teams will meet again on Sunday (2:15 p.m. / MagentaSport) in Ingolstadt. Four wins are necessary for the title. (dpa)