Writes history!
KAC can even overtake Rapid with title number 33
The battle of nerves in the ice hockey final against Salzburg culminated in game seven at home for the KAC. Striker Matt Fraser knows how to do it and was already the winning scorer in 2021. With their 33rd title, the Red Jackets could even overtake Rapid in the clash of record champions. "Krone" columnist Tommy Koch expects fireworks.
The tingling sensation is palpable throughout the city; the whole of Klagenfurt wants its Red Jackets to win the championship. According to KAC estimates, up to 20,000 tickets could have been sold for today's final against Salzburg - but only 4,409 will fit. That's why the city is organizing a public viewing at Benediktinermarkt (from 6 pm). Everyone wants to see the KAC make history. Numerous players have already entered their names in history as scorers of championship goals. These were the last:
- 2004: Unforgettable! In game 5 of the final against VSV, David Schuller set off on a solo run and outpaced goalie Prohaska in minute 66, 3:2!
- 2009: Game 7 again! Patrick Harand equalized for Salzburg to make it 1:1 (45.), only 13 seconds later brother Chris Harand shot KAC to the cup.
- 2013: After a solo run, John Lammers tucked the puck high into the corner against Vienna to make it 4:2 - KAC won 5:3.
- 2019: The now sadly deceased Adam Comrie got the puck on the left side against Vienna, curved around an opponent and scored in minute 74 to win 3:2 - the title was secured.
- 2021: Rok Ticar put the puck in front of the net in Bolzano, Matt Fraser deflected it into the far corner to make it 4:2 and clinch the double. In the end, the KAC lifted its 32nd championship trophy with a 5:3 victory.
"I can still remember it clearly, Ticar's passes were brilliant - and I was just doing my job," says Fraser, who is the internal number one this year with a strong 28 goals. And is eager for the next final: "Of course we realize how the whole city wants the title. But we just have to go out there and have fun, the rest will take care of itself. We have so much experience in the squad and that helps a lot."
Tie between KAC and Rapid
With their 33rd cup, the Red Jackets could overtake their soccer counterparts Rapid Vienna in today's record-breaking clash. The traditional clubs currently hold 32 titles each. "Of course it would be fun, I'm a KAC fan and watch a few games," grins Klagenfurt Rapid defender Michi Sollbauer. The current Austria Klagenfurt coach Peter Pacult was Rapid's last champion coach in 2008.
Kraus as a "Violet"
Of course, it would also be special for KAC striker Niki Kraus (was absent from training yesterday due to illness, but wants to be there!) - because the Vienna native is a fan of Rapid rivals Austria Vienna: "I've been waiting for years for us to beat Rapid with the KAC, that would be really cool. But we have to keep a cool head in game seven and be hardened."
A game seven in the final is something very special. An ice hockey player doesn't experience that often. I was lucky enough to have been there twice as an active athlete. Twice as a Salzburg crack against the KAC. We won once and lost once.
The worst thing isn't the match, it's the waiting, the days leading up to it. The tension grows, the excitement increases immeasurably. When the puck is dropped, a lot of weight falls off your shoulders.
I'm convinced that the Red Jackets and Salzburg will go full throttle right from the start this time. This won't be a tactical game of wait and see. Both are so charged, full of emotion because of the close duels before - it's going to be fireworks.
For me, Klagenfurt is the slight favorite. They have shown recently that they are the more consistent team when the pressure is on. I was surprised by how mentally strong KAC is. How they were able to put away the last two overtime upsets. And then to win 4:1. That was impressive! KAC must try again not to give Salzburg any breathing space - that was the recipe for success.
One thing in the Bulls' favor is that they've clawed their way into the series. You can never underestimate them and they are merciless in front of goal. Even when the momentum is with the opponent, they can strike coldly.
But the most important thing today is discipline. It's the match in which the players have to put in an effort for the team. Your own ego counts for nothing, stupid fouls or revenge fouls are forbidden. Both teams have too good a power play.
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