Graz turned a seemingly secure defeat into a thrilling victory over KAC on Monday, showcasing a remarkable late-game surge that narrowed the gap at the top of the Win2day ICE Hockey League standings. After falling behind 2-0, the 99ers scored four unanswered goals in the final period, securing a 4-2 win in front of a crowd of 4,100 at the Liebenau Arena. This comeback victory demonstrates the resilience of the Graz team as they continue their pursuit of the league lead.
The game began with KAC establishing control, taking the lead through Simeon Schwinger in the 8th minute. Joshua Teves extended their advantage to 2-0 in the 37th minute, appearing to put the game out of reach. For two periods, KAC’s defensive stability held firm, threatening to deliver their third consecutive win without conceding a goal. However, the 99ers dramatically shifted the momentum in the third period, unleashing a relentless attack that overwhelmed the KAC defense.
Graz’s Third-Period Blitz
Marcus Vela ignited the comeback with a goal in the 44th minute, sparking a wave of energy through the Graz lineup. Chris Collins followed up just eight minutes later, tying the game at 2-2. Kevin Conley then put Graz ahead for the first time in the 55th minute, and Josh Currie sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the 60th minute. The late surge not only secured the win but also reduced the gap between Graz and the league leaders to just one point.
Elsewhere in the Win2day ICE Hockey League, VSV secured a 3-1 victory over Vorarlberg, with Nick Hutchison scoring twice (9th and 59th minutes) and Joel Teasdale adding another goal in the 38th minute. The win for VSV, played in front of over 3,000 fans, mathematically guarantees their place within the league’s top ten teams. Maier scored the lone goal for Vorarlberg in the 37th minute on a power play.
Salzburg Edges Past Pustertal in Overtime
In Salzburg, a game briefly interrupted by a broken window following a violent check saw the home team emerge victorious after overtime. Pustertal took an early lead with a goal from Austin Rueschhoff in the 2nd minute. Salzburg battled back, eventually equalizing through Cole Krygier in the 45th minute. The game remained tied until Travis St. Denis scored just 49 seconds into overtime, securing a 2-1 win for the “Bulls.”
Linz Falls to Ljubljana in Overtime
The Black Wings Linz suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to Ljubljana after overtime. Veteran Brian Lebler scored a power-play goal in the 14th minute to equalize the game at 1-1, but Linz ultimately lacked the finishing touch needed to secure the win. TJ Brennan scored the decisive goal for Ljubljana in the 64th minute, also on a power play. With just two games remaining in the regular season, Linz’s ninth-place position is precarious, holding only a three-point lead over Ferencvaros, whom they will face in a crucial match in Budapest on Friday.
Match Details
Here’s a summary of the key results from Monday’s games:
| Game | Score | Goalscorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graz – KAC | 4:2 | Vela (44.), Collins (52.), Conley (55.), Currie (60.) vs. Schwinger (8.), Teves (37.) | 4,100 |
| VSV – Vorarlberg | 3:1 | Hutchison (9., 59.), Teasdale (38.) vs. Maier (37.) | 3,400 |
| Salzburg – Pustertal | 2:1 (OT) | Krygier (45.), St. Denis (61.) vs. Rueschhoff (2.) | N/A |
| Linz – Ljubljana | 1:2 (OT) | Lebler (14.) vs. Polei (6.), Brennan (64.) | N/A |
The Win2day ICE Hockey League season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with several teams still battling for playoff positioning. The upcoming match between Linz and Ferencvaros promises to be a pivotal encounter, with significant implications for both teams’ postseason hopes. The league standings remain tight, and every game carries increased weight as teams vie for a favorable position in the playoffs. Fans can find the latest standings and schedules on the official ICE Hockey League website.
As the regular season winds down, the intensity and drama are sure to escalate, promising an exciting finish to the Win2day ICE Hockey League campaign. The Graz 99ers, buoyed by their recent comeback victory, will look to maintain their momentum and continue their push for the top spot.
Share your thoughts on these games and the league standings in the comments below.
