In the Eliteliga, Ice Park Rangers Langenwang secured a thrilling 7:5 victory over the Bulls Weiz, marking their first win of the season. In the Bezirksliga, the EC Devils triumphed 5:2 against St. Peterer Haie, while the EC Bergerbauer Warriors dominated with an 8:2 win over EVZ Murtal Lions II. In the Gebietsliga semifinals, Torpedo Trofaiach won 4:2 against EC Eisbrecher Zeltweg, and EC Hornets beat IPR Langenwang II 3:1, advancing to the finals.
Ice Park Rangers Langenwang Triumph in Eliteliga
In an exhilarating finale of the Eliteliga preliminary round, the Ice Park Rangers Langenwang clinched their inaugural season victory against the Bulls Weiz. Meanwhile, the LE Kings, who have been inactive recently, are gearing up for their first semifinal match this Wednesday at 7 PM against the Eisbären Peggau, followed by the return match on Saturday at 5:30 PM in Leoben. In the Bezirksliga, the EC Devils and the Bergerbauer Warriors are just one step away from reaching the finals, while the previously unbeaten Trofaiacher face a tough challenge in a decisive match, with the EC Hornets already securing their spot in the finals.
Match Highlights and Semifinal Showdowns
In a thrilling encounter, the Ice Park Rangers Langenwang managed to turn the tide against the EC Bulls Weiz, finishing the match with a score of 7:5 (2:4, 4:1, 1:0). Despite trailing 2:4 at the end of the first period, the Rangers came roaring back. Lukas Geineder was the star of the evening, netting four goals, including a crucial equalizer. Gernot Reiterer’s goal, assisted by Geineder, propelled the Rangers ahead to 6:5, and Gerald Fischer sealed the win with another goal, marking a historic first victory in their 16-game season.
In the Bezirksliga semifinals, the EC Devils overpowered St. Peterer Haie with a score of 5:2 (0:2, 0:1, 2:3). The Devils struck early with goals from Claudio Beljan and Peter Hofbauer, leading to a commanding 3-0 position by the second period. Although the Haie made a brief comeback, Beljan’s three goals were instrumental in securing the Devils’ advancement, with a return match scheduled for Friday in Kapfenberg at 8:40 PM.
On the other hand, the EC Bergerbauer Warriors showcased their strength by defeating EVZ Murtal Lions II with an impressive 8:2 (2:1, 5:0, 1:1) scoreline. The Warriors dominated the second period, scoring five unanswered goals. With contributions from Simon Meister and Patrick Hochenhofer, the Warriors displayed their readiness for the finals during the matchup set for Sunday at 10:40 AM in Zeltweg.
In the Gebietsliga semifinals, Torpedo Trofaiach emerged victorious over EC Eisbrecher Zeltweg with a score of 4:2 (1:2, 0:1, 0:1). Marc Kofler was the standout player, securing a hat trick that propelled his team forward. Despite a valiant effort from the Eisbrecher, including a goal from Markus Kropf, Trofaiach held firm to clinch the win. Meanwhile, the EC Hornets defeated IPR Langenwang II 3:1 (0:0, 1:1, 2:0) in a hard-fought match, with Mario Bauernhofer’s two goals ensuring their place in the finals.