Cheers on KAC opponents:

Klagenfurt lives with Pustertal captain in the house!

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

KAC has to go to Bruneck today and wants to get its second win in the second semifinal game.The Red Jackets have won seven of their last eight away games. Pustertal, on the other hand, have won seven home games in a row. Curious fact: A player from Klagenfurt once played for the South Tyroleans and even lives in the same house as their captain!

The second face is needed! KAC dispatched Pustertal 7:1 in the semi-final opener, today in game two in South Tyrol the red offensive roller will certainly have to show its defensive skills. But that shouldn't be a problem: After all, the Red Jackets had the best defense in the basic round with only 60 goals conceded away from home.

They also like it away from home in the play-offs
The KAC were also the second-best away club behind Fehervar - and the away streak continued in the quarter-finals: They celebrated three wins in a row in Vorarlberg - 1:0, 3:1, 5:1. In total, they won seven of their last eight games away from home.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"Don't underestimate them"
Despite the good omens, the KAC has been warned. Pustertal are extremely strong at home: They won both games against Ljubljana in the pre-play-off and all three against Fehervar in the quarter-finals - a total of seven home wins in a row. "Pustertal were on a par in the first game, we certainly didn't underestimate them. We can't play complicated - they just wait for mistakes," warns Clemens Unterweger, who achieved a feat in the semi-finals.

Clemens Unterweger

(Bild: f. pessentheiner)

Strong plus-minus record
The defenseman achieved a plus-minus rating of +5, meaning he was on the ice for five goals against five. Clemens is the first KAC crack to achieve this in a play-off since the league was founded in '03/04. Partner Jesper Jensen Aabo shone with three assists. The two are a weapon and get the most ice time.

Jesper Jensen Aabo

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"I like skating with Jesper. We don't play the prettiest field hockey, but we complement each other perfectly - and are hard to break down," says Clemens, who was born in Huben.

The family live
In Bruneck, Unterweger is therefore counting on many fans from East Tyrol. In addition to the 300 supporters from Klagenfurt, a good 100 will also be traveling from Huben. "It's only an hour away. The family is coming too." Bischofberger (ill) is questionable, Sablattnig has undergone shoulder surgery.

Austria Klagenfurt's Simon Straudi (center) also impresses on the ice.

(Bild: zvg)

This Klagenfurt player is keeping his fingers crossed for Pustertal!
Simon Straudi has been lacing up his soccer boots for Austria Klagenfurt for almost three years now - and yet the winger is cheering on KAC opponents HC Pustertal today!

Simon Straudi

(Bild: Austria Klagenfurt)

Uncle was a pro in Bruneck
Which is not surprising - especially as the 25-year-old Italian comes directly from Bruneck. Where the Val Pusteria are at home. And where his uncle Werner Straudi once chased the puck as a professional for the South Tyroleans for almost 20 years and fought battles with the KAC as a striker in the Alpine League in the 90s. "My dad played here until he was 20, as did I as a child - it's the number one team sport here," explains Straudi.

Pustertal captain Raphael Andergassen

(Bild: Kuess)

Captain in his own house
Curious: Pustertal captain Raphael Andergassen even lives in the same house in Bruneck! "I have the upper apartment, Raphi has the lower one," explains Straudi, who was in the same class at sports school as center Simon Berger.

"The lads have to deliver now, otherwise I'll have to listen to them in the dressing room again! But it would be a surprise, the KAC is the clear favorite!" says the currently injured Straudi, who is therefore cheering on his Pustertal "Wolves" in his home arena today.