In the ICE semi-final

KAC increases to 2:0 – Salzburg equalizes

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Red Bull Salzburg have equalized in the semi-finals of the ICE Hockey League. The reigning champions celebrated a hard-fought 3:1 win at HCB Südtirol in game two in Bolzano, thus making up for Tuesday's 2:0 home defeat. Meanwhile, the KAC recorded a 4:2 win at HC Pustertal to make it 2:0 in the semi-final series. On Sunday, Klagenfurt will play at home (5:30 p.m.), as will Salzburg against Bolzano (6:30 p.m.).

After a goalless first 30 minutes, the game picked up speed in front of 5,500 fans in Bolzano. Dennis Robertson gave the visitors from Salzburg the lead (33'), which Domenico Alberga equalized for the "Foxes" in overtime (39'). But it only took 14 seconds for Thomas Raffl to put the "Bulls" back in front (39'). Paul Huber made sure of the decision in the final period (51'). The series between the two last year's finalists is now wide open again at 1:1.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The 3,100 spectators in the sold-out Intercable Arena in Bruneck saw an unsuccessful first period for the hosts. Manuel Ganahl (10th) and a double strike by Matt Fraser (18th) and Lukas Haudum (18th) within 29 seconds gave the Carinthians a reassuring lead. After a goalless middle third, the "Wolves" from the Puster Valley came back once again. David Morley (41') and Mats Frycklund (57') made it 2:3, but an "empty net" goal from Clemens Unterweger 23 seconds before the end secured the second win for the KAC. It was Pustertal's first home defeat since February 13.

Semi-final (best of seven) - 2nd game:

HC Pustertal - KAC 2:4 (0:3,0:0,2:1)
Score in the series: 0:2
Next game on Sunday (17:30) in Klagenfurt

HCB Südtirol - Red Bull Salzburg 1:3 (0:0,1:2,0:1)
Standings in the series: 1:1
Next game on Sunday (18:30) in Salzburg