VSV extends goalie

The duel between the super “wizards” of KAC and Salzburg

KAC goalie Sebastian Dahm wants to strike back today in the second final away from home.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The 0-0 draw at the start of the final was only the second goalless game in the play-offs in the new league history - then Salzburg celebrated with a 1-0 win against Klagenfurt. KAC goalie Dahm wants to strike back in the Scandinavian duel with Tolvanen. Whether Hundertpfund and Fraser will play is still open. VSV have extended their contract with goalie Swette and are thinking about coach Viveiros.

Madness! The first final thriller between KAC and Salzburg went into overtime - Paul Huber scored in minute 65 to give the Bulls a 1-0 win. And it was only the second time since the league was re-established in 2003/04 that a play-off game had gone into overtime with a 0-0 draw. The first time was in the 2019 quarter-finals, when the KAC beat Graz 1-0.

"Gives us confidence!"
KAC goalkeeper Sebastian Dahm remained positive despite the defeat: "It was only one shot that went against us. The fight was great, we were more active and had a lot of pace - although it was the wrong winner, the game gives us confidence!"

Salzburg goalie Atte Tolvanen got a shutout in the final.

(Bild: f. pessentheiner)

Two best catch rates
The Dane will face Salzburg's Atte Tolvanen (Fin) in the duel of the super "wizards" - the Scandinavians are considered the best goalies in the league. Dahm (Denmark) has the highest save percentage in the play-offs with 93.1 percent, followed by Tolvanen with 92.8 percent. Both are champion goalies: Tolvanen led the Bulls to victory in the two previous seasons, Dahm the KAC in 2020/21. Dahm: "We're similar types, we rely on technique and control."

Dahm still expects fireworks
So how can you beat Tolvanen? "A lateral pass, traffic in front of goal and a direct finish - that's how it can work!" With 47 shots on both sides, the opening period was very defensive. Dahm: "It could go on like that - but I'm expecting fireworks at some point!"

It remains to be seen whether KAC captain Thomas Hundertpfund will play in game two.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Only KAC turned around 0:1 against Bullen
A 1:0 in a series is usually a good omen for Salzburg. The Bulls have gone ahead in 23 play-off series so far, winning 21 times - but things have gone wrong twice so far: in the 2012 quarter-final and 2017 semi-final - both against KAC. And all good things come in threes.

Hundertpfund went along for the ride
KAC captain Thomas Hundertpfund had an extremely tough time in the first final game against Salzburg! The 34-year-old had pinched a nerve in the final training session in the morning - severe "lumbago". Everything was tried, massages, treatments - but to be on the safe side, "Hundi" took a break. The striker went to Salzburg with us and wants to give it a try. Striker Matt Fraser's knee also took a knock from Ryan Murphy's check - but the Canadian also got on the bus and is determined to fight on in game two.

Manny Vivieros, an old acquaintance, is a candidate for the VSV coaching job.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Viveiros as a candidate in Villach
VSV is still intensively searching for a coach, but does not want to rush into anything. Manny Viveiros, who was a player for the Eagles from 1991 to 1995 and later worked for the KAC (player and coach) for 14 years, is also among the candidates. Manny is currently in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants (owned by Canadian singing superstar Michael Buble!) in the playoff round of 16 against Everett Silvertips in the best-of-seven series, trailing 3-1.

Backup goalie Rene Swette will stay with the Eagles for another year.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Schmidt could help out
One decision has already been made by the Villach team without a coach - regarding the goalie! Witcher "JP" Lamoureux already extended his contract for another year in January, and now two-goalkeeper Rene Swette has done the same. Lukas Moser (22) is to be brought in as number three. In case of need, there is also the option of Alexander Schmidt, who signed with farm team Kitzbühel and could help out in Villach at any time.