Alps League

Polar Bears turn hit in Slovenia late

Flick and Putnik (right) remained focused until the end.

(Bild: JOE Photography - Johannes Radlwimmer)

Top game was written on it and top game was in it! The Zeller Eisbären were not unsettled by the 2-0 loss in the Alps League clash at title contenders Jesenice and managed to turn things around in the final third.

For the Pinzgau team, still with a number of absentees but with new signing Devin Steffler in the line-up, the trip to Slovenia turned into the expected top game, with both teams giving each other nothing. In the middle of the first period, Salzburg survived a one-minute double deficit to go into the break goalless.

A crossbar goal took its revenge
The Polar Bears increasingly took command in the second period. However, they failed to score more than a crossbar goal. It was only towards the end of the third period that the home side came a little closer - and promptly scored to make it 1:0. Three minutes before the break, Sturm beat Zimmermann on the short corner. And it got even worse: After losing a disk in the offensive zone, Jesenice launched one of the few counter-attacks seconds before the siren and increased the lead to 2:0.

With just over three lines against a full home side, a mammoth task awaited. A key scene then, after a good 44 minutes. A shot from outside the blue line was deflected into the goal. However, the 3:0 did not count because the puck had already left the third and was therefore offside. The Slovenians complained too much and were given a penalty for criticism. So instead of 0:3, they had a chance in the power play: Wilfan Widen's shot was deflected decisively and the chase to catch up began (45'). Magic field hockey then ensued: Berger stopped Artner's high cross from the air and scored backhanded into the far corner.

New signing sets up the winning goal
And it got even better: Steffler chipped the puck, the keeper let it bounce and captain Johansson turned the game around five minutes before the end - 3:2! The Polar Bears thus drew level with leaders Ritten, are ahead thanks to winning the direct duel and can now only theoretically be overtaken by third-placed Jesenice. Debutant Devin Steffler reported: "I immediately felt good with the team. The whole team and my colleagues were very nice and I'm glad we got the win."

Meanwhile, the understrength Jungbullen suffered another setback, losing 3:1 away to the Wipptal Broncos and are now eleventh.