UEHV Cam4Dent Sharks Gmunden concluded the ÖEL preliminary round with two victories, achieving a remarkable goal differential of 13:2. In their final match on January 26, 2025, they defeated HDK Maribor 7:1 at Muki Eisarena. Key moments included early goals from players like Mario Pichler and Nicolai Obojes. Coach Gregor Baumgartner commended the team’s performance as they secured 2nd place with 31 points and now prepare for the playoffs starting February 8, 2025.
Sharks Dominate in Final Prelim Round Matches
The UEHV Cam4Dent Sharks Gmunden wrapped up the preliminary round of the ÖEL in spectacular fashion with two impressive wins, boasting a remarkable goal differential of 13:2! This thrilling conclusion unfolded at the Muki Eisarena Gmunden on January 26, 2025, during a showdown against HDK Maribor from Slovenia.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The action started quickly with Paul Ornetzeder setting up Mario Pichler, who then assisted Jan Hannes Maierhofer, putting the Sharks on the scoreboard just 2:41 minutes into the game. Within 36 seconds, Nicolai Obojes, with help from Alwin Schuster and Ian Motil, blasted the puck into the net, making it 2:0. As the first period progressed, Obojes showcased his skill again by passing to Jonas Kail, who extended the play to Bastian Szieber for a tip-in goal, thus ending the first break with the Sharks leading 3:0.
In the second period, Elias Koller was on target at the 23rd minute, making it 4:0 with the assistance of Patrick Gaffal and Mathias Haiböck. Marc-Andre Dorion scored another for the Sharks with a precise long shot at 34:40, extending the lead to 5:0. However, tensions flared as both teams faced penalties, resulting in a scuffle. The visitors managed to score a consolation goal at 5:1 during a power play, courtesy of Danilo Tamasevic, before the end of the second period.
As the final period commenced, the Sharks regained their composure. At 45:41, Alwin Schuster passed to Ian Motil, who found Laurens Ober, skillfully directing the puck into the net for a 6:1 lead. Bastian Szieber capped off the scoring with his goal at the 53rd minute, assisted by Lukas Stöttner and Elias Koller, finalizing the score at 7:1.
Coach Gregor Baumgartner praised his team’s performance, stating, “This match showcased everything that makes hockey thrilling. The guests’ reaction at 5:0 was unnecessary, but thankfully my Sharks refocused and finished strong. Achieving two victories in our last home games of the prelims was our goal.” With this victory, the Sharks secured the 2nd place on the table with 31 points, just behind WEV Wien. As they prepare for the upcoming playoff round starting February 8, 2025, all eyes are on the Sharks as they look to make a strong impact.
Report and photos by Peter SOMMER FOTOPRESS.